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Hotel Palazzo Priuli
4 Star****
Fondamenta de l' Osmarin 4979
30122 Venezia
(Non-Smoking Hotel)
Rising majestically alongside two enchanting canals in a quiet neighborhood not far from Saint Mark’s Square, Palazzo Priuli is an architectural gem that has inspired painters and architects throughout the centuries. The house was built for Procurator Giovanni Priuli in the late fourteenth century and was among the first secular constructions in the city to incorporate several of the architectural innovations from the recently completed Doge's Palace. It consequently marks a significant step toward the full flowering of Venetian Gothic architecture and shows a masterful blending of Italian Gothic elements with delicately carved Moorish traceries. Originally frescoed on the facade by Palma Vecchio, the home is a testament to the wealth and prominence of the noble Priuli family.
Of Hungarian extraction, Silvestro Priolus, the forefather of the Priuli family arrived in Venice around the year 1000 on a diplomatic mission for the Magyar king. He remained enchanted by the city, however, and took up permanent residency. The illustrious family that descends from him was admitted into the Venetian aristocracy at the beginning of the fourteenth century and boasts three doges, fourteen procurators, and five cardinals.
Today the ancient Priuli home has become a deluxe four-star hotel offering modern amenities and comfort within the setting of an authentic, history-rich Venice. With its spacious, elegantly furnished rooms, the surrounding picturesque canals, and courteous staff, Palazzo Priuli makes a stay in Venice both memorable and enjoyable.
As with other great homes of the time, Palazzo Priuli was designed in consideration of the practical function of the house which had to serve not only as residence but as headquarters for the seafaring and trading interests of the family. The hall of Hotel Palazzo Priuli consequently displays maps, nautical charts, and ship designs to recall the earlier commercial function of the androne, or hallway, which was used for exhibiting armor and for business negotiations with storerooms and offices alongside and a portico by the canal where it was possible to load and unload wares.
The windows and doorways have been reconstructed using fine Venetian bottle glass held in place by leaden and wooden frames. The extensive use of glass in Venice greatly impressed foreigners visiting the city. The thriving local glass industry made it possible for even the humblest buildings in Venice to have glass rather than the oiled canvas and parchment that covered windows in other European cities. In the great homes, bottle-glass could be used to make large windows, allowing more light to penetrate into those rooms that would have otherwise been dark as a result of the densely built-up urban environment.
The original beamed ceiling survives to this day. It was constructed using fir and larch floated downstream to Venice from the Dolomites. This soft wood was ideally suited for ceiling beams in the city due to the length and light weight. Resin in the wood also gave a degree of natural protection against humidity while the elasticity helped to absorb minor shifts in the foundation. As at Palazzo Priuli, visible timbers were often richly decorated with painted or carved designs.
Small devotional shrine housing a Byzantine icon contributes to recreating the atmosphere of a noble-merchant's home. Such shrines were a form of popular devotion amongst the Venetians. They were common alongside the streets throughout the city as well as in the "androni" of the greater homes. Original neo-Renaissance furnishings from the late nineteenth century, hand-wrought iron chandeliers with Murano glass globes, rich brocades, supple velvets, and oriental rugs complete the decor and recreate the emotion of an historical Venice.With four giant Gothic windows, the "salone", or central hall, opens up onto the main facade of the house and to a picturesque view of the canal "Rio de l'Osmarin". Venetian homes were typically built with a series of similar windows that illuminated the "salone" and allowed more light to penetrate into the inner parts of the house.
Each room is unique and offers a private bathroom with a tub. They have an individually regulated summer and winter climate control system, color satellite television, mini-bar, hair dryer, radio, safety deposit box, and a telephone with direct dialing and access for fax/modem. As with all of the rooms in the hotel, no smoking is allowed.
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Rates 2008-2009
ALL CANAL VIEWS!!
Superior Single 135 e - 205 e
Superior Double 167 e - 290 e
Deluxe Double 205 e - 325 e
Deluxe Triple 244 e - 380 e
Deluxe Quad 315 e - 415 e
Junior Suite (2 pax) 233 e - 380 e
For more information or to schedule your stay please contact:
Small & Elegant Hotels, International
9425 Whispering Sands
West Olive, MI 49460
TEL: (616) 844-6000 / FAX: (616) 844-6042
E-Mail: res@smallandeleganthotels.com
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