Venice casino sign with buildings and canal in the background

Ca' Vendramin Calergi

Ca’ Vendramin Calergi: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Venice Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Ca’ Vendramin Calergi and Its Enduring Significance

Rising elegantly on the banks of Venice’s Grand Canal, Ca’ Vendramin Calergi is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and a vibrant hub of Venetian cultural life. Commissioned by the Loredan family and designed by Mauro Codussi, the palace stands as a symbol of aristocratic power, architectural innovation, and artistic heritage. Today, its ornate halls house the Wagner Museum and the world’s oldest casino, while its grand salons host concerts, festivals, and the exclusive Venice Carnival Dinner Show. This guide offers detailed information on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, special events, and nearby attractions to help you make the most of your visit to this Venetian landmark. For the latest updates, always refer to the Venice Casino website and cultural platforms like Visit Italy.

Introduction
History and Construction
Architectural Highlights
Notable Residents and Events
Visiting Information (Hours, Tickets, Accessibility)
Special Events and Cultural Life
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual and Interactive Resources
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Memorial plaque at the death house of German composer Richard Wagner at Palazzo Venrdamin-Calergi in Venice

Memorial plaque for German composer Richard Wagner at the Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi overlooking the Canal Grande in Venice

Entrance of the Venice Casino with decorative architectural details

Outdoor physical culture school scene in Paris with students and instructor exercising

Outdoor scene of physical training school in Paris showing people engaged in exercise

Ca' Vendramin Calergi historic palace in Venice

Facade of Ca' Vendramin Calergi in Venice with historic architecture and ornate details

History and Construction

Origins and Ownership

Construction of Ca’ Vendramin Calergi began in 1481, commissioned by the influential Loredan family. Designed by Mauro Codussi, a pioneer of the Venetian Renaissance, the palace was completed in 1509 (hotelarcadia.net). Financial setbacks led the Loredans to sell the palace in 1581. It was purchased by Vettor Calergi, who expanded the structure, particularly its right wing. Subsequent generations, including the Grimani and Vendramin families, left their mark on the building and its legacy (hotelarcadia.net).

Architectural Highlights

Ca’ Vendramin Calergi is celebrated for its harmonious proportions, restrained ornamentation, and luminous Istrian stone façade. Codussi’s design signaled a shift from Gothic to Renaissance aesthetics in Venice, emphasizing symmetry and classical elements. The tripartite layout features a central portego (hall), grand staircase, and suites of rooms adorned with frescoes and stucco work. The Latin inscription “Non nobis Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam” on the façade reflects its patrons’ humility and adds historical intrigue (visititaly.eu).

Key features include:

Istrian stone façade with three tiers of arched windows and classical pilasters
Central portego running the building’s length
Grand staircase with marble balustrades
Venetian terrazzo floors
Frescoed ceilings and allegorical stucco decorations

The palace’s foundations rest on wooden piles, a Venetian engineering feat that ensures structural stability over centuries (Idealista).

Notable Residents and Events

Over the centuries, Ca’ Vendramin Calergi has been home to patrician families and illustrious guests. Its most renowned resident was the German composer Richard Wagner, who spent his final months here and died in the palace in 1883. Today, the Wagner Museum preserves his manuscripts, letters, and memorabilia, drawing music lovers from around the world (visititaly.eu).

In 1959, the palace became the headquarters of the Venice Casino, melding Renaissance grandeur with modern entertainment.

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Opening Hours

Wagner Museum: Open Tuesday and Saturday at 10:30 AM, Thursday at 2:30 PM. Closed in August. Advance booking required by 12:00 the day before (Meeting Venice).
Casino di Venezia: Opening hours vary seasonally; check the official website for up-to-date details.

Tickets

Wagner Museum: Approximately €10, with discounts for students and seniors. Booking in advance is recommended.
Casino di Venezia: Entry is free for ambiance; gaming requires registration and valid ID. Age limit: 18+.
Special Events: Tickets for concerts and Carnival Dinner Show must be purchased in advance (Venice Red House).

Accessibility

The palace offers partial accessibility. Ramps and accessible restrooms are available, especially in the Wagner Museum and casino sections. Some historic areas may remain inaccessible due to architectural constraints. Contact the venue in advance for assistance.

Special Events and Cultural Life

Carnival Official Dinner Show

During the Venice Carnival, Ca’ Vendramin Calergi hosts the exclusive Official Dinner Show and Ball, featuring gourmet dining, live performances, and period costumes. The 2025 edition celebrates the 300th anniversary of Casanova and Venice’s tradition of masquerade balls.

Concerts and Wagner Days

The Wagner Museum presents annual concerts, seminars, and the Bayreuth Scholarship Student Concert, honoring Wagner’s musical legacy (Meeting Venice).

Additional Events

The palace also participates in citywide festivities such as the Festa del Redentore and Regata Storica, reinforcing its role as a focal point of Venetian community life (Italyscapes).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

How to Get There

Located in Cannaregio at Cannaregio 2079, 30121 Venezia, Italy, Ca’ Vendramin Calergi is easily reached by vaporetto (water bus). The nearest stops are “San Marcuola” and “Casinò di Venezia.” The palace is a short walk from both stops (Meeting Venice).

Nearby Attractions

Ca’ d’Oro: Renowned Gothic palace and art gallery
Rialto Bridge and Market: Historic commercial heart of Venice
Jewish Ghetto: Historic and cultural district in Cannaregio
Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari: Masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture

Plan to explore these sites before or after your palace visit for a deeper dive into Venice’s history (The Collector).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Ca’ Vendramin Calergi’s opening hours?
A: The Wagner Museum is open Tuesday and Saturday at 10:30 AM, Thursday at 2:30 PM; closed in August. Casino hours vary—consult the official website for details.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase online or at the venue for the Wagner Museum and special events. Casino entry requires registration and ID.

Q: Is the palace accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Accessibility is partial; ramps are available, but some historic areas have limited access.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Allowed in public areas; restricted in the Wagner Museum and during private events.

Q: Are costumes required during Carnival events?
A: Yes, period costumes and masks are mandatory for the Carnival Official Dinner Show.

Visual and Interactive Resources

Images: Renaissance façade, Grand Canal views, casino interiors, Wagner Museum exhibits.
Alt tags: “Ca’ Vendramin Calergi Renaissance façade overlooking Grand Canal,” “Casino di Venezia gaming room with Murano chandeliers,” “Richard Wagner memorabilia at Wagner Museum.”
Interactive Map: Locate Ca’ Vendramin Calergi and nearby attractions.
Virtual Tours: Available on Casinò di Venezia and tourism platforms.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Ca’ Vendramin Calergi is a living testament to Venice’s grandeur, offering visitors a seamless blend of Renaissance artistry, musical history, and modern entertainment. Whether you are drawn by its architectural beauty, the thrill of the casino, or the allure of cultural events, this palace provides a multifaceted and unforgettable Venetian experience.