Palazzo Labia

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  • Address
    Campo San Geremia, Cannaregio 275
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  • Phone
    041 78 11 11
  • Transport
    ferry: Guglie
  • closed for restoration

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Lonely Planet review

Now the Venice office of the RAI, Italy's national radio and TV organisation, this was once a grand 17th-century family residence. It boasts several frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo, but you must phone to arrange a visit (when open).

The Labia family had arrived from Spain and planned to make a hit among the local aristocracy. The frescoes are said to represent Tiepolo's greatest secular commission.

The grand ballroom, a two-storey-high space characterised by a gamut of architectural trompe l'oeil trickery, is the framework for two giant frescoes depicting the meeting of Anthony and Cleopatra and Cleopatra's banquet. In the latter fresco, Tiepolo included a portrait of himself as one of the dignitaries invited along. The ceiling fresco represents the victory of Bellerophon over Time.