Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti

Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti is a building on the Grand Canal beside the Accademia Bridge, notable for its Gothic forms and ornate window frames. The facade displays classic Venetian features with pointed arches and elaborate stone details that integrate into the water landscape.

The building was constructed in 1565 by the Marcello family and received its current appearance through major renovations in the 19th century under Austrian archduke Frederick Ferdinand. These alterations shaped the palace's architectural development significantly.

The building houses an institute for sciences, letters and arts that has organized exhibitions and scholarly events since 1999. This role has made the palace an active hub for intellectual and artistic life in Venice today.

The palace is reachable by water bus lines 1 and 2 stopping at Accademia station across the canal. From there, visitors can view the facade from the water or approach the grounds from nearby streets.

The building features a monumental staircase designed by architect Camillo Boito that stands as one of the interior's architectural highlights. A private garden facing the canal adds to the site's significance and offers a quiet retreat with water views.