The Palazzo

A narrow Venetian canal with buildings, a small arched bridge, and reflections in the water.

The Palazzo

A testament to Venetian grandeur

Cozy courtyard with plants, brick walls, a water feature, and seating all around.
Elegant corridor with checkered floor, columns, greenery, and wooden beam ceiling.

Palazzo Morosini boasts deep historical roots, as illustrated by the eighteenth-century allegorical frescoes that adorn its facade. The Morosini family's name, long associated with the Palazzo, has recently been complemented by the suffix 'degli Spezieri' in tribute to the merchants who once thrived in the nearby 'Calle degli Spezieri.' Today, the Palazzo is a vibrant tapestry of colors, aromas, and fragrances. Each apartment is named after a spice that has, since the 1200s, enriched Venice's cuisine, economy, art, and customs.

The history 

In a dimly lit brick room, bronze horse statues gleam with a golden patina.

1204

During the Fourth Crusade, Domenico Morosini brought four bronze horses to Venice as spoils of war. During the journey, one of the horses' legs broke, and it was subsequently mounted on the facade of the family’s home.

Bronze horse statues adorn a historic building's façade with carvings and archways.

1261

After spending over fifty years in the Venetian Arsenal, the horses were placed on the facade of St. Mark's Basilica following the fall of the Eastern Latin Empire, serving as both a religious and political symbol.

Ornate fresco: arches, columns, religious figures under a golden mosaic dome.

1265

On the fanlight above the portal of Sant'Alipio at St. Mark's Basilica, the Marciano mosaic depicts the four horses in the exact positions they still occupy on the facade.

Veiled woman statue with laurel, gazes up, holding a partially covered object.

1364

Francesco Petrarca's writings provide the earliest written testimony to the presence of the quadriga on the facade of the Basilica.

Venetian building by canal, outdoor dining, small bridge nearby.

1400

Transferred to the Contarini family, the Palazzo continued to showcase its war memorabilia on the facade. Subsequently, its traces vanished, and its fate became shrouded in mystery.

Venetian canal, stone bridge, vibrant buildings, boats, and blue sky.

1500

At the height of the Morosini dynasty, during the era of the Via delle Spezie, merchants engaged in spice trade operated in the vicinity of the Palazzo, possibly utilizing its warehouses, as indicated by the nearby 'Calle degli Spezieri'.

Venetian canal at dusk: lit windows, docked boats, stone bridge.

2000

For centuries, the Palazzo has preserved the name of the Morosini family. Recently, it has also been given the suffix 'degli Spezieri' to honor the Venetian merchants who, starting from Venice, distributed spices from the East across Europe.

The garden

The verdant core of the building

Palazzo Morosini's garden is a captivating retreat, offering a 200-square-meter oasis featuring an outdoor kitchen and scenic canal views. Here, you can relax on plush sofas with a good book, enjoy your favorite movie on a roll-down screen, or savor a refreshing drink in serene surroundings. This secluded green haven is perfect for hosting intimate events, including receptions, birthdays, and other special occasions.

European-style patio: pergola, outdoor seating, lush greenery.
Patio with seating, sun umbrella, lush greenery, and historic building views.
Calm garden patio with seats, pergola, greenery, and colorful buildings behind.

In the heart of the city

In San Polo, away from the hustle and bustle

Palazzo Morosini degli Spezieri is situated in a quiet campiello within the vibrant San Polo district. This central location provides convenient access to major attractions like the Basilica dei Frari and the Rialto Bridge, while remaining pleasantly removed from the typical tourist crowds.

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