LONGHENA, Baldassare
(b. 1598, Venezia, d. 1682, Venezia)

Ca' Pesaro: Façade on the Rio delle Due Torri

1659-1710
Photo
Canal Grande, Venice

The architect of this important palace on the Canal Grande used the consolidated base formed by pre-existent foundations. Important parts of Longhena's design were the great staircase in the entrance hall and the internal courtyard. After Longhena's death the construction was continued by his pupil, Antonio Gaspari.

The main façade on the Canal Grande was concluded in 1710 according to the original project. The ground floor and mezzanine floor with a double water gate by a vestibule are characterized by the projecting diamond-shaped ashlar-work. The two upper floors contain alternating wide round arch windows and projecting twin columns. The wall surfaces are characterized by the proliferation of plastic decoration in the Baroque style.

The façade on the Rio delle Due Torri, designed by Gaspari, offer a simpler and calmer language.

The picture shows the side façade on the Rio delle Due Torri.




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