Likiep Canal | Likiep Atoll

Information

Landmark: Likiep Canal
City: Likiep Atoll
Country: Marshall Islands
Continent: Australia

Likiep Canal, Likiep Atoll, Marshall Islands, Australia

Palazzo Labai is a Baroque palace located in the Cannaregio district of Venice, Italy.

It is one of the last great palaces built in Venice before the fall of the Republic.

Visual Characteristics

The palace facade is constructed from Istrian stone and features a rusticated ground floor. The upper floors are characterized by pilasters and elaborate window surrounds. The main facade is divided into three horizontal bands, with the central section projecting slightly. The roof is a mansard style, topped with decorative urns and statues. The interior features a grand ballroom decorated with frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo.

Location & Access Logistics

Palazzo Labia is situated on the Grand Canal at the intersection with the Cannaregio Canal. It is accessible by Vaporetto (water bus) lines 1 and 2, disembarking at the "San Marcuola" stop. The palace is approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) northwest of the Santa Lucia train station. Limited public parking is available at Piazzale Roma, a 20-minute walk away. Private water taxi services are also available.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Palazzo Labia began in 1718 and was completed in 1720. It was commissioned by the wealthy Catalan merchant family, the Labia, who had amassed their fortune through trade. The architect was Andrea Tirali, with subsequent work by Giorgio Massari. The palace was intended as a lavish residence and a symbol of the family's wealth and status.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary highlight is the Grand Ballroom, featuring Tiepolo's ceiling frescoes depicting the Banquet of Cleopatra and the Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra. Guided tours are available on specific days and times, often requiring advance booking. Access to the palace is generally restricted to organized tours or special events.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restroom facilities are available for visitors during guided tours. Shade is provided within the palace's interior spaces. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the palace. No food vendors are located directly at the palace; dining options are available in the surrounding Cannaregio district.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography of the exterior is during the late afternoon when the sun illuminates the facade. For interior visits, check the official schedule for tour availability, as access is limited. The months of April, May, September, and October offer pleasant weather for exploring Venice.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical oddity is the lavish banquet hosted by Antonio Labia in 1749, where he famously threw gold plates into the Grand Canal to impress a visiting German prince, only to have them retrieved by divers. The palace is also rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a Labia family member.