While Ca’ da Mosto is not the merriest sight to admire in Venice (mostly due to the fact at present it is a derelict building), it remains the oldest building on the Grand Canal. Located at the intersection of Cannaregio and Castello, the palace was built in the 13th century, but the passage of time and the administrative abandonment have largely spoiled the splendor of the structure.

Architecturally speaking, Ca’ da Mosto stands out by its asymmetrical elements: the facade features an arcade located on the left side, as well as decorative panels which call forth the former shine of this residential building. The second floor of the palace was added no sooner than the 16th century, whereas the 19th century saw the construction of the third floor.

The palace remained the property of the Mosto family until the 16th century (this is, actually, the birthplace of Alvise Cadamosto, notorious Venetian slave trader and explorer who made his name in Portugal in the context of the great geographical discoveries). Until the 18th century, Ca’ da Mosto accommodated the historical Albergo Leon Bianco, a former reputed Venetian hotel, amongst the guests of which Joseph II is worth mentioning (ruler of the Holy Roman Empire in the mid 18th century).

Name:
Ca’ da Mosto
Address:
Cannaregio, 30100, Venice, Italy
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