The Palazzo dei Camerlenghi, in Renaissance style, was the seat of the magistracies related to the finances of the Republic of Venice.
The Palazzo dei Camerlenghi, at the foot of the Rialto Bridge, was located in the area of the city dedicated to commercial activities. It was built between 1525-1528 according to a project by Guglielmo dei Grigi following the curve of the Grand Canal. It was a three-story building whose facades were decorated with porphyries and polychrome marbles that are now lost. Its external appearance was to represent the wealth and power of the Serenissima Republic.
On the ground floor of the palace there was a prison for debtors and insolvents. Thus, the prisoners were exhibited in the heart of Rialto to serve as a warning to those who did business there. Today the building is the regional headquarters of the Court of Auditors.
The palace was the headquarters, among other magistracies, of the Camerlenghi, the Consoli dei Mercanti and the Sopraconsoli dei Mercanti. As was customary, when these magistrates ceased their duties, they donated a painting of a religious theme with their portrait or noble coat of arms. For this reason, the Palazzo dei Camerlenghi had a rich collection of works of art, today spread throughout Europe or in other museums in the city.
Map of Palazzo dei Camerlenghi
AddressRuga dei Oresi 1
30125 Venezia, Italia
