Historic Palazzo Pesaro in Venice captured by Carlo Naya

Palazzo Donà (Santa Croce)

Palazzo Donà Santa Croce, Venice: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Palazzo Donà (Santa Croce), also known as Palazzo Donà-Balbi, is a distinguished historical palace located in Venice’s serene Santa Croce district. It represents centuries of Venetian aristocratic tradition and architectural evolution, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Though primarily a private and administrative building, its striking façade and occasional cultural events make it a compelling stop for those seeking authentic Venetian heritage. This guide details its history, architecture, visiting logistics, and travel tips to help you plan your visit (Conoscere Venezia; Venicexplorer; Venicewiki).

Pesaro Palace in Venice Italy 1890s color photochrome print

Introduction
History and Origins
Architectural Highlights
Ownership and Notable Families
Significance in Venetian Culture
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility
Getting There
Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions
Visuals and Media
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References & Further Reading

History and Origins

Palazzo Donà-Balbi traces its origins to the mid-14th century, making it one of the Santa Croce district’s oldest palaces. Its earliest architectural core is marked by a Venetian Gothic trifora (three-light window) on the piano nobile, overlooking a private courtyard. The palace’s strategic placement along the Grand Canal positioned it at the heart of Venice’s commercial and social life as Santa Croce transitioned from marshland to a bustling trade hub (Conoscere Venezia; Venicexplorer).

Architectural Highlights

Palazzo Donà-Balbi exemplifies the adaptive growth of Venetian palaces, having merged several buildings over centuries. The façade facing the Grand Canal is adorned with 15th-century lion-head corbels in Istrian stone, supporting the main balcony—a nod to Venice’s heraldic traditions. The inner courtyard boasts a late 15th-century wellhead (vera da pozzo) and a rare garden with a 19th-century stone bathtub, illustrating the evolving lifestyle of its residents.

Interior modifications in the 18th and 19th centuries added new wings and modernized spaces, yet preserved essential Gothic and Renaissance features (Conoscere Venezia).

Ownership and Notable Families

Over the centuries, the palace has been home to several prominent families:

Nani “della Zoia”: Early owners, with a crest featuring a garland motif.
Priuli “degli Scarponi”: Renowned Venetian patricians.
Donà Family: The most influential, with direct ties to Doge Nicolò Donà.
Grimani, Balbi, and Toso: Subsequent owners, reflecting Venice’s transition from nobility to industrial wealth.

In 1973, Countess Maria Angela Toso sold the palace to the Province of Venice, leading to its use as civic offices (Conoscere Venezia).

Significance in Venetian Culture

Palazzo Donà-Balbi is a microcosm of Venice’s urban evolution—melding aristocratic, civic, and commercial roles. Its layered architecture and links to the Donà family situate it firmly in the political and social history of the Venetian Republic. The building’s adaptive reuse, from noble residence to civic office and now toward hospitality, mirrors the city’s ongoing negotiation between heritage preservation and contemporary demands (Venicexplorer).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility

Interior Access: The palace is not typically open for daily public visits. Occasional special events, such as during the Venice Biennale, may offer limited entry. Always check cultural event calendars or the official tourism website for updates.

Viewing Hours: The exterior can be admired year-round from the Grand Canal or nearby vantage points, such as the pontile at the end of Calle della Regina (Venicewiki).

Tickets: Tickets for rare public openings or events can be found via Venice’s cultural event sites or local tourism offices.

Accessibility: The historic structure poses challenges for visitors with mobility impairments. Surrounding public areas are partially accessible, but the palace itself is not wheelchair-friendly.

Getting There

By Vaporetto (Waterbus): The nearest stop is Riva de Biasio (Lines 1, 5.1, 5.2). From here, it’s a short walk along the Grand Canal (Italyscapes).
On Foot: From Venezia Santa Lucia railway station, it’s about a 10-minute (550-meter) walk through the atmospheric streets of Santa Croce.
By Gondola or Private Boat: A classic gondola ride offers a unique perspective on the palazzo’s façade (Venicewiki).

Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for photography and a quieter experience.
Nearby Attractions:
- Ca’ Pesaro: Baroque palace housing the International Gallery of Modern Art.
- Fondaco dei Turchi: Natural history museum in a medieval palazzo.
- Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio: Vibrant square with a historic church and cafés.
- Papadopoli Gardens: Green space near Piazzale Roma.
Amenities: Public restrooms and authentic Venetian cafés are nearby. Santa Croce is less commercialized, offering a more local atmosphere (Routinely Nomadic).
Safety: The district is well-lit and safe, with a friendly local character (Tours Italy).

Visuals and Media

The palace façade is best viewed from the Grand Canal or the pontile at Calle della Regina.
For a virtual experience, explore:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the interior of Palazzo Donà open to the public?
No, except during rare cultural events or by special arrangement.

Are there guided tours?
Direct interior tours are rare, but some boat tours on the Grand Canal include informative commentary on Palazzo Donà.

Is the palace wheelchair accessible?
No, the palace itself is not accessible, though nearby public areas and vaporetto stops are partially so.

What are the best nearby attractions?
Ca’ Pesaro, Fondaco dei Turchi, Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio, and Papadopoli Gardens.

How do I obtain tickets for special events?
Monitor Venice’s cultural event calendars and official tourism websites for ticket information.

Essential Information at a Glance

Feature	Details
Location	Santa Croce, Grand Canal, between Ca’ Pesaro and Palazzo Correggio
Closest Vaporetto Stop	Riva de Biasio (Lines 1, 5.1, 5.2)
Distance from Station	~550 meters from Venezia Santa Lucia railway station
Public Access	Exterior viewing only; no regular interior access
Best Viewing	From vaporetto, gondola, or pontile at Calle della Regina
Nearby Attractions	Ca’ Pesaro, Fondaco dei Turchi, Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio, Papadopoli Gardens
Accessibility	Area accessible by foot and vaporetto; palace itself not wheelchair-accessible
Safety	High; well-lit and frequented by locals and tourists alike

Summary and Final Tips

Palazzo Donà (Santa Croce) is a testament to Venice’s resilience and layered history. Its grand exterior, occasional cultural openings, and prime location make it a rewarding addition to any Venice itinerary. For the best experience, pair your visit with nearby museums and attractions, and consult official resources for special events. Respect its private status and embrace the authentic Venetian atmosphere of Santa Croce.