Ca' Sagredo

On the left side there is the Palazzo Giustinian Pesaro. The palace, which originally belonged to the Morosini family, was purchased in 1661 by the ambassador Nicolò Sagredo (who would become Doge 1675-1674). In his work, “Dialogue concerning the Two Chief World Systems”, Galileo, has a conversation in this palace with his close friend, the mathematician, Gianfrancesco Sagredo. While other sources indicate the palace was bought by his nephew, Zaccaria in 1704-1714, the latter date would preclude the conversation between Galileo and Giovanni Francesco Sagredo at this palace. Zaccaria Sagredo extensively refurbished the palace in the 18th century, with designs by the architect Tommaso Temanza. The interiors were refurbished with the creation of a scenic staircase (1732), designed by Andrea Tirali, and decorated with the Fall of the Giants (1734), a fresco by Pietro Longhi. One guide describes the frescoes with the statement: "Venetians have a habit of "painting the lily and gilding refined gold", and Longhi's fresco was not considered de trop". Two marble cherubs by Francesco Bertos decorate the entrance to the staircase.