The Construction of the Palazzo de la Ca' d'Oro in Venice

The Palace of the Ca' d'Oro

A high-quality team of architects and artists

It is thought that the first architect of the Ca' d'Oro was Marco d'Amadio, so the one who drew up the original plans for the palace.

But what we can “see” of this magnificent Venetian Flamboyant Gothic palace was the work of another group of architects and artists: Matteo dei Raverti from Milan on the one hand, Zane and Bartolomeo Bon, the Venetians, on the other.

Andrea Mantegna, Saint Sebastian in the Franchetti Gallery of the Ca' d'Oro in Venice

Mantegna, Saint Sebastian - Ca' d'Oro Matteo dei Raverti, before looking after Ca' d'Oro, had been involved in building the Duomo of Milan Cathedral, hence no doubt his obvious taste in this golden palace for “lace” stone.

The facade of the Ca' d'Oro features “counter-curved” motifs completely inspired by Milan Cathedral.

Raverti had also participated in the Gothic crowning of St. Mark's Basilica in 1415.

Mantegna - Ca' d'Oro So it was only natural that Raverti called on companions and disciples from Come and Milan to help him build the Ca' d'Oro.

These included the names of Gasperino Rosso, Antonio de Rigesio and Giacomo da Corno

Raverti and his companions created the two upper loggias and the motif of the infill, which reproduced that of the Doges' Palace

He was also the author of the earth gate (as opposed to the water gate of the palaces that opens onto the canal) that opens onto Calle Ca' d'Oro, as well as the courtyard staircase.

The Palazzo della Ca' d'Oro in Venice, Italy

The Palazzo della Ca' d'Oro The upper crenellations in Muslim style, which also reproduced those of the Doge's Palace while hiding the roof, were made by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon, father and son.

Zane (Giovanni) Bon and his son Bartolomeo also made the small windows with pendant infill and the decoration that is so original and magnificent.

The Bartolomeo Bon workshop was also entrusted with the creation of the Porta della Carta of the Doge's Palace and the portal of the Church of Santo Stefano

As for the gilding, the finishing touch to the luxury of the Ca' d'Oro and which gave it its name, thanks to the 23,000 gold leaf used for this, this work was entrusted to another artist by the name of Jean Charlier

The Palace of Ca' d'Oro in Venice, Italy