Japanese Coastal Batteries | Mili Atoll

Information

Landmark: Japanese Coastal Batteries
City: Mili Atoll
Country: Marshall Islands
Continent: Australia

Japanese Coastal Batteries, Mili Atoll, Marshall Islands, Australia

Palazzo Belloni Battagia is a historic palazzo located in the San Marco district of Venice, Italy.

Visual Characteristics

This Renaissance-era palazzo features a tripartite facade constructed primarily of Istrian stone. The ground floor is characterized by rustication and a central portal. The piano nobile, or main floor, is distinguished by a series of arched windows, each framed by decorative elements. The upper floors maintain a similar fenestration pattern, with the building culminating in a cornice. The exterior coloration is a pale, weathered stone, reflecting the typical Venetian architectural palette.

Location & Access Logistics

Palazzo Belloni Battagia is situated on the Rio de la Fava, a small canal accessible from the larger Rio dei Santi Apostoli. The closest Vaporetto stop is Rialto, approximately a 7-minute walk (500 meters) to the northwest. From the Rialto Bridge, proceed east along the Mercerie shopping street, then turn south onto Calle dei Fabbri, followed by a left onto Calle del Traghetto Vecchio, leading to the Rio de la Fava. There is no dedicated parking for the palazzo; visitors arrive by Vaporetto or on foot. The nearest public parking garage is Garage San Marco, located at Piazzale Roma, a 20-minute walk (1.5 km) to the west.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The palazzo was constructed between 1560 and 1580. While the exact architect is debated, it is often attributed to Jacopo Sansovino or his workshop. It was commissioned by the Belloni family, a prominent merchant family, as a demonstration of their wealth and status. The original purpose was residential and commercial, serving as both a family home and a base for their trading activities.

Key Highlights & Activities

Access to the interior of Palazzo Belloni Battagia is typically restricted to private events or specific exhibitions. When open to the public, visitors can observe the architectural details of the facade and, if accessible, the interior courtyards and reception rooms. Photography of the exterior is permitted from the canal or adjacent bridges.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms are not available within the palazzo itself. Shade is limited to the narrow calleways and bridges surrounding the building. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good in this central Venice location. Food vendors and restaurants are abundant in the surrounding San Marco district, particularly along the routes leading from the Rialto Bridge.

Best Time to Visit

For exterior photography, early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) offers softer light and fewer crowds. The best months for visiting Venice are April, May, September, and October, offering moderate temperatures and reduced humidity. High tide can affect access to lower-lying areas of Venice, but the palazzo's elevation on the Rio de la Fava is generally not impacted by typical acqua alta events.

Facts & Legends

A notable feature of the palazzo's exterior is a marble relief depicting a lion, a common symbol of Venice, though its specific historical context within the palazzo's construction is not widely documented. The palazzo is known for its relatively understated elegance compared to some of the more ostentatious palazzi in Venice, reflecting a more restrained Renaissance aesthetic.