Venice, the city of winding canals, gondolas, and Poesque midnight assignations, boasts a collection of unique palazzos that grace the iconic Grand Canal. These architectural marvels drip opulence, art, and history. Here is a short selection from those that took my fancy:

Palazzo Loredan Vendramin
Designed by architect Mauro Codussi during the Venetian Renaissance, this palace is a marvel of balance and proportion. Its tripartite façade harmoniously combines Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian architectural orders. Today, it is home to the Venice Casino.

Ca’ d’Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia)
Once adorned with gilt external decorations, Ca’ d’Oro (“House of Gold”) exudes Venetian Gothic charm. Art patron Giorgio Franchetti rescued it from decay, preserving its polychrome marbles and intricate details.

Palazzo Grassi
One of the last palaces built before the fall of the Venetian Republic, Palazzo Grassi now hosts François Pinault’s contemporary art collection.

Ca’ Foscari
Affording sweeping views along the Canal Grande, Ca’ Foscari’s late-15th century architecture seems to capture the true spirit of the city. Today, it serves as Ca’ Foscari University, and visitors can explore its famous period rooms by appointment.

Ca’ Pesaro
A masterpiece of Venetian Baroque, Ca’ Pesaro was designed by architect Baldassarre Longhena. Its imposing façade boasts an opulence of statues and bas-reliefs, while the interior houses the International Gallery of Modern Art.

As you ideally glide along the Grand Canal by gondola, these palazzos will reveal to you much of the very soul of Venice—a confection of art, resilience, and irrepressible romanticism that I for one find impossible to resist.