Palazzo Contarini delle Figure, Renaissance palace at Grand Canal, Venice, Italy
Palazzo Contarini delle Figure is a Renaissance palace on the Canal Grande known for its symmetrical facade arranged in nine sections with five main windows per level. A large water-gate entrance at the base provides direct access to the interior, while the building is constructed in a warm reddish stone.
The palace was built between 1504 and 1546 for Jacopo Contarini, a high-ranking church official, replacing an older Gothic structure on the same location. This transition to Renaissance design marked an important transformation and reflected the family's growing wealth during that period.
The palace takes its name from the stone female figures that once adorned its facade, giving it its distinctive character. These sculptural decorations remain a defining visual feature that locals instantly recognize.
The building sits between two neighboring palaces and is clearly visible from the water side of the Canal Grande. Since it is now divided into residential apartments, visitors can only view the facade and outer entrance from the boats.
The facade features five fluted Corinthian columns supporting a triangular pediment, an unusual architectural choice for Venetian palaces. This classical order was not typical of Venice's building traditions and shows a distinctive design approach by its owner.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
