Welcome to Palazzo Stern

Palazzo Stern

Arriving in Venice means letting yourself be guided by the slow rhythm of the canals rather than the clamor of the squares. In the Dorsoduro district, the perspective opens up onto the Grand Canal, and before you stands the facade of Palazzo Stern—an elegant interplay of light stone, pointed arches, and Gothic windows that seem to look out not just over the water, but onto time and history itself.

Built at the beginning of the 15th century as the residence of the Michièl family, nicknamed “Malpaga” due to a curious story involving workers who were never paid, the palace has gone through centuries of transformations. Only over time did it take on the appearance that makes it so fascinating today.

At the beginning of the 20th century, when parts of it were at risk of decline, Ernesta de Hierschel Stern, a writer and art collector, purchased the palace and guided its restoration.

Inside the palace, every step tells a story. Ernesta Stern brought over 100 works from her private collection here, spanning from the 2nd century to the early 20th century, transforming the spaces into a journey through centuries of art and culture. Among the most secret corners of Palazzo Stern hides even a small chapel. It does not appear immediately: those who discover it find themselves before a corner of silence, where light plays through mosaics and stained glass windows.

A place of spiritual care, it bears witness to an unexpected past for a building now known for its elegance and charm. Walking through the rooms, one notices how the palace has managed to transform its function without losing its identity: today, it welcomes guests and works of art alike.

This harmony is also reflected on the outside: the facade, rare for a palace overlooking the Grand Canal, is a true poem of Neo-Gothic stone. Two-light windows, three-light windows, pointed arches, and bas-reliefs follow one after the other, among which Saint George and the dragon stands out—an eternal symbol of courage and protection, as if to greet and bless guests arriving from the water.

Today, Palazzo Stern is a boutique hotel featuring 24 rooms, many of which offer views of the Grand Canal, while others look out over the quiet Rio del Malpaga or the garden in front of the building. On the same side, the iconic panoramic terrace offers a privileged perspective on Venetian life: in the morning, it is the ideal spot to enjoy an à la carte breakfast amidst the colors and scents of the waking city, as gondolas glide slowly across the water. The terrace also becomes an elegant venue for events and special moments, where the unique atmosphere of Venice accompanies every gathering.

Staying here means entering a Venice that does not show itself to everyone: a city made of reflections, silences, and details that demand to be observed slowly. Will you let yourself be guided by the Venice that everyone sees… or by the one that reveals itself only to those who know how to look for it?