DK Travel : Venice : Top 10 Architectural Features of a Palazzo

Venice : Top 10 Architectural Features of a Palazzo

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1. Piano nobile

The high-ceilinged first floor of a palazzo hosts the sumptuous salons and family’s living quarters.
2. Façade

Usually fronting a canal, this was the only exterior wall decorated with a costly stone overlay to impress visitors.
3. Funnel-shaped Chimneys

These and many other variations punctuate rooftops, their long shafts often running along outside walls.
4. Kitchen

This was always located on the ground floor for practical reasons.
5. Canal Entrance

Where the family’s private gondolas were moored and visitors were received.
6. Central Well

This received filtered rain water for the palazzo’s main water supply.
7. Entrance Portal

The importance of the main entrance was usually indicated by the distinctive family crest.
8. Enclosed Courtyard

This bustling area, usually with store rooms, was often used for the family’s business transactions.
9. Altana Roof Terrace-Platform

These open-air areas were traditionally used for hanging out the washing or bleaching hair in the sun.
10. Land Access

With private gondolas, this was relatively unimportant, hence a narrow alley.