Ca Farsetti

A medieval patrician palace on the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge, today home to Venice's city council.

Ca Farsetti is one of the oldest palaces on the Grand Canal in Venice, standing close to the Rialto Bridge. Built after 1200 by Ranieri Dandolo, son of the famous Doge Enrico Dandolo, it is an early example of Venetian Gothic with multi-lancet windows facing the canal. In the 17th century the Farsetti family purchased the building; in 1826 the municipality acquired it and has used it as city hall ever since. Passing by on the Grand Canal today, the heavy stone facade in the shadow of the Rialto is one of the oldest layers of the lagoon city.