Palazzo Bembo (Bembo Palace), Venice

This palace presents itself with an exterior featuring a perimeter wall adorned with inverted arches and a Gothic portal topped by the Bembo family coat of arms. The narrow and tightly constructed facade reflects the architectural style of the late 14th century, with the ground floor displaying typical elements of that period, such as the two quadrifoil windows with rosette capitals. The upper window, in particular, exhibits arches of a more archaic form, suggesting that the palace was likely built in the early 15th century.

Adorning the facade within a niche is a captivating sculpture depicting a bearded male figure, possibly Saturn or Chronos, covered in hair and supporting a solar disk on two pivots. While the exact meaning of the sculpture remains largely unknown, it is believed to have been commissioned by Giammatteo Bembo, nephew of the renowned scholar, poet, and cardinal Pietro Bembo, who resided in this palace. One of the most prominent literary figures of his time, the latter is credited with coining the verb "asolare," describing the experience of indulging in pleasurable idleness.

The building has since been converted into a beautiful hotel where you can savor the sophisticated and aristocratic ambience of the past. As you step inside, you are greeted by a spacious courtyard adorned with a magnificent Baroque red Verona marble wellhead. Behind the palace, to the right, there is a small enclosed courtyard featuring a round tower in one corner.