The History of Hotel Corte di Gabriela

The history of the building that houses Corte di Gabriela is like Venice; it is complex, layered and fascinating.

Three interventions were needed at three different times to make the structure as we see it now. Approaching from the outside, even timidly, it is easy to notice that the facade is composed of materials and styles from different eras, such as the mullioned windows of different shapes or the individual marble balcony of the noble hall.

The same goes for the interior, where you can find decorations and frescoes of different periods coexisting in adjacent spaces, or contrasting styles like gates in gold leaf with Gothic design and square-shaped wrought iron gates. We kept, when possible, the original doors; on the first floor they are made in walnut-colored wood, while the second floor’s wood is more basic but it comes in a lovely lime white color.

Despite being built in different eras and consequently with different styles, the building has its own special and unique harmony, like a dish that requires a long cooking time and a bit of passion to become delicious.

In 1865 it was made a part of the ground floor, where now there are the rooms and the elevator. Only in 1895 the work was completed, with the addition of the area on which the current reception and the breakfast room rest, with its stunning views of the corner of Rio channel.

The first floor was also built in 1895 and, like everything in Venice, its uniqueness becomes apparent only  from details. The staircase is made of granite, with its steep steps and relatively narrow spaces, softened by a beautiful wrought iron banister leading up to the main floor. To avoid unpleasant encounters, there is an iron gate at the entrance of the floor, equipped with a small window useful for peeking those approaching the door; Venetians have always had a certain allergy to pushy people.

We kept the same floor, a delicate and original wrought Venetian terrazzo, with classical motifs of the time, trying to maintain a certain coherence while preserving the authentic spirit.

The second floor was not built until 1925, approximately.

I will be biased, but I think the wait was worth it.