The spectacular 16th-century palazzo in which Aman Venice is housed was built by the great architect, Giacomo De Grigi, under the commission of the Coccina family of Bergamo. In 1864 the property was sold to the Papadopoli family, who entrusted a neo-Renaissance and Rococo restoration of the piano nobile – the largest living area of the Palazzo – to Michelangelo Guggenheim, a leading designer of the Scuola Veneta d’Arte. The Papadopoli family also bought the adjoining buildings, creating two gardens that, today, are among the city’s rarest private green spaces. A site to behold on a sunny day sipping an espresso and watching the singing men of the Gondolas go by.
Palazzo Living
The spectacular 16th-century palazzo in which Aman Venice is housed was built by the great architect, Giacomo De Grigi, under the commission of the Coccina family of Bergamo. In 1864 the property was sold to the Papadopoli family, who entrusted a neo-Renaissance and Rococo restoration of the piano nobile – the largest living area of the Palazzo – to Michelangelo Guggenheim, a leading designer of the Scuola Veneta d’Arte. The Papadopoli family also bought the adjoining buildings, creating two gardens that, today, are among the city’s rarest private green spaces. A site to behold on a sunny day sipping an espresso and watching the singing men of the Gondolas go by.
Aman Venice’s modern-day renovation was overseen by architect Claudio Rebeschini and executed by Dottor Group, one of the most important Italian companies in the field of conservation of cultural heritage. The property won the heritage award for the best restoration in Italy in 2014. It is clear why especially entering the hotels piano nobile, the largest living area of the palazzo and open to non-residents. This is pretty breathtaking.
Each of Aman Venice’s 24 rooms and suites are individually decorated and retain their original features. Many are adorned with historically important frescoes – including those of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, who lived in the palazzo in the 18th century – as well as stucco, wood carvings and details that reflect the splendour of art and architecture of past centuries. Contemporary furnishings by Jean-Michel Gathy harmonise beautifully with the authentic Venetian aesthetic.
The hotel received global press when it hosted the wedding of George Clooney and his now wife, Amal. Since then, it has grown in popularity with curious travellers seeking that feeling of days gone by when men owned grand palazzo’s and didn’t have to sublet levels to hotel groups.
The hotel is without question, an experience worth having but if you’re looking for what Aman typically offer in terms of freedom, space and privacy at resorts such as Amenjena in Morocco, then this might not be for you. The owner of the palazzo still resides on the top level and I get the feeling he likes to know who is in his house.
All in all, this palazzo has got some serious pizzazz.
We advise booking your trip to Italy through luxury travel consultant Merrion Charles. merrion@merrioncharles.com / www.merrioncharles.com
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