Venice - Palazza Papadopoli
The origin of Venice begins about 1600 years ago when a number of exiles fled nearby Roman cities to find refuge in the Venetian lagoon, a safe haven from the invasions led by Attila the Hun. It was an unlikely place that would become the world’s most iconic city and the center of European maritime trade. Four centuries later, Venice’s legacy is intact, with hidden canals, secret passageways, timeless treasures, rich in architecture, and culture. It’s one of a very few places on our planet where you feel history still exists virtually untouched. I visited Venice for the first time in the summer of 2023. I instantly fell under its’ trance of unworldly elegance and grace. What can be more mythical, mysterious, romantic, and enchanting than a fragile floating city rooted in the pursuit of eternal beauty?
“To build a city where it is impossible to build a city is madness in itself, but to build there one of the most elegant and grandest of cities is the madness of genius.” – Alexander Herzen
I arrived at The Aman Canal Grande Hotel, by boat and was immediately charmed by its blend of Italian Renaissance and Venetian Gothic architecture, topped by obelisks - symbols of great naval captains. The magnificent façade of the Palazzo is one of the eight palazzao monumentali on the Grand Canal that still exist. In its new incarnation, it has been heralded as ‘perhaps the most beautiful hotel in the world’.
Originally conceived as a family home in the 16th century, AmanVenice retains its’ sense of intimacy. The construction of this grand palazzo, commissioned by the Coccina family from Bergamo, began in 1560 and completed around 1570. The Tiepolo family became owners in 1748 until 1864. It was a perfect home for their family of artists, most notably Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, known as the greatest decorator painter of the 18th century. His frescoes have been described as ‘poetic – with a lightness and elegance of the Rococo period”. Numerous Tiepolo frescoes have been lovingly restored and can be seen in Grand Hall, many rooms, and suites.
The Palazzo changed owners once again in 1864 when wealthy bankers from Greece, Nicolo and Angelo Papadopoli moved from Corfu to Venice. Michelangelo Guggenheim (not related to Peggy) was hired to decorate the grandest floor of the palazzo with its monumental staircase. The brothers also bought land adjacent to the Palazzo to create a beautiful garden along the canal surrounded by a Venetian Gothic wall. At the end of the nineteenth century Vera Papdopoli Aldobranini married Count Gilbert Arrivabene bringing the Palazzo with her as her dowry. It was renovated in the Neoclassical style and a new wing was erected. Today, Vera’s grandson, Count Gilberto and his wife Countess Bianca Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga, owners of the Palazza Papadopoli, live in the private apartments on the top floor with their family.
In 2004 Jean Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects was asked to lead the restoration of the Palazzo in conjunction with a freehold agreement with the Arrivabene family. Honouring the magnificence of the Neo-Renaissance architecture, Gathy carefully curated modern amenities whilst retaining its Venetian grandeur. Over the course of nine years, he created the ultimate 7-star hotel, opening in June 2013. Eighteenth century frescos, gilded ceilings, silk wall coverings, and Murano glass chandeliers display Venetian opulence at its best.
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru
During my week in Venice, exploring the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Museo Fortuny, St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, La Fenice Opera Theater, and many more amazingly beautiful destinations, it was always wonderful to come back to the Amann after a long day exploring Venice. While it’s magnificence is overwhelming breathtakingly beautiful, it feels intimate and calm, inviting and friendly. I feel extremely fortunate to have spent a week of my life at one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is etched in my memory forever.
