Ca' d'Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia) Tours
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When floating down Venice’s Grand Canal, the Ca' d'Oro—so named for the gold-leaf details that once adorned its Gothic-style exterior—is sure to catch your eye. This 15th-century Venetian masterpiece, also known as Palazzo Santa Sofia, is home to a lavish collection of art and furnishings, and offers gorgeous canal views.
The Basics
The Ca' d'Oro (House of Gold or Golden House) was built by Venetian architects Giovanni Bon and Bartolomeo Bon for the Contarini family in 1430, and purchased centuries later by Baron Giorgio Franchetti, who bequeathed the palace and its contents to the Italian State in 1916. Palazzo Santa Sofia is now home to Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro and holds the baron’s impressive art collection—including paintings by Tiziano, Jan Van Eyck, and Van Dyck—along with furniture, medals, and tapestries. You can explore the interior and its collection, and savor the palazzo’s captivating canal views from its front loggia.
Palazzo Santa Sofia is one of Venice’s most famous palazzi, and the highlight of any boat tour or gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Many private tours of Venice include a stop at the Ca' d'Oro along with the Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, and St. Mark’s Basilica; booking a tour that includes skip-the-line tickets is essential in the summer months.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ca' d'Oro houses temporary exhibits that run during the year for an additional entrance fee.
- Most of the palazzo is accessible to wheelchair users, though there are a number of steps to access the loggias that overlook the Grand Canal.
- Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas must be left in the cloakroom.
How to Get There
The Ca' d'Oro is located along the Grand Canal in Venice’s Cannaregio neighborhood. Take vaporetto line 1 from Piazza San Marco to the Ca' d'Oro stop.
When to Get There
Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and the city’s main sights can be crowded, especially in summer. Ca' d'Oro is particularly busy on the first Sunday of each month, when entry to the art museum is free.
The "Vandalism" of Ca' d'Oro
In the 19th century, ballet dancer Marie Taglioni briefly owned Palazzo Santa Sofia. She infamously destroyed a priceless Gothic stairway and balconies overlooking the inner courtyard in an act that many art historians consider nothing less than vandalism.
Address: Sestriere of Cannaregio 3932, Venice 30121, Italy
Admission: Varies
7 Tours and Activities to Experience Ca' d'Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia)
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Day CruisesPrivate Tour: Venice Grand Canal Evening Boat Tour
Spend a delightful evening cruising along the canals of Venice on this private boat tour. Take in the architectural masterpieces that line the Grand Canal and smaller waterways from aboard a comfortable modern water taxi, venturing further than a traditional gondola would allow. Learn about the artistic and cultural history of Venice from your English-speaking guide as you soak in the sights on your choice of a 1-hour or 2-hour ride.
... More
- 1 hour
- Taking safety measures
From
$453.03
per group
Cultural ToursGroup or Private Motorboat Cruise: Grand Canal & Basilica San Giorgio Maggiore
See the sights of the surreal canal city in style with a luxury motorboat tour of the Grand Canal. Marvel at the unforgettable beauty of the famous canal as you ride past sights like the Doge's Palace and Rialto Bridge with a professional driver guiding the way. Arrive at the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore to climb up into the bell tower for exceptional views over the city. Small-group tour size limited to four people.
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- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$125.64
Price varies by group size
Day CruisesSmall Group Venice Grand Canal Panoramic Tour
It is a truth universally acknowledged that visiting Venice and not taking a boat ride down the Grand Canal is a travelling sin. Experience the Floating City in all of its glory on a 1-hour motorboat tour in a group limited to 12. Ideal for first-time visitors, you’ll pass beautiful palazzo and sail beneath famous bridges such as the Accademia Bridge and the Rialto Bridge.
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- 1 hour
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$36.24
Multi-day Tours7-Day Highlights of Italy: Venice to Rome via Florence
Travel from Venice to Rome via Florence and Italy's coast
Discover the sights and delights of Italy on this week long highlights tour. Begin amid the canals of Venice, visit the charming towns of the Cinque Terre, soak up beauty and history in Florence and wind up in the piazzas of Rome. With plenty of free time for independent exploration, and the freedom to discover Italy's history and culture at your own pace, there's no better way to see this wonderful pocket of Europe.
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- 8 days
From
$1,254.92
Private Sightseeing ToursUp and down the bridges, Venice as an insider
This tour offers the possibility to see Venice outside the most common tourist routes, but without forgetting the most important monuments. Crossing the "sconte" (secondary alleys where tourists usually get lost) we reach places otherwise difficult to find. This is authentic Venice, where citizens live, work and bring their children to school.
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- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$193.29
per group
Private Sightseeing ToursVenice Boat Tour + Exclusive Murano Glass Show
Are you looking for the most unique tour ever?
Start the experience discovering the Grand Canal by boat, with its majestic palaces and treasures rich of history and legends.
You will get the most exclusive view of the city, immersed in a colorful paradise.
Directly by boat we will then arrive to Murano Island to meet and enjoy a fresh aperitif with a famous Master Glassblower, who will surprise you with an exclusive glassblowing show at his private studio. A unique opportunity to meet and talk with a real Murano Artist famous for his glass operas all over the world!
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- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$295.98
Price varies by group size
From
$295.98
Price varies by group size
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
Private Sightseeing ToursThe Secrets of the Grand Canal - Boat Tour
The most exclusive and unique tour of the Grand Canal, discovering its stories, legends and mysteries. A true Venetian will guide you in this fascinating itinerary to live the city from a different perspective: the water! Through this experience you will explore the entire city in just 1 hour, immersed in a magic 100% Venetian atmosphere!
... More
- 1 hour
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$175.17
Price varies by group size
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