“The view of this city from a league’s distance is astonishing. Nowhere else in the world is there such a beautiful spectacle.” Casanova, The Story of My Life
There was diplomatic relations between the Italians and Ottoman Turks till the 16th century. It all started with the Venetian diplomat to Imperial İstanbul in the 16th century who lived in a mansion in Pera. This mansion was rebuilt as the current Venetian Palace in the 18th century. This Palace now is the İstanbul residence of the current Italian Ambassador.
We also know from historical accounts that this was the palace Italian adventurer Casanova had stayed during his visit to İstanbul for three months in the 18th century. ‘Giacomo Casanova was a Venetian, and for centuries the Venetians had been trading partners with the Ottoman Empire. At the age of nineteen, Casanova joins the retinue of the Venetian ambassador Venier, who is on his way to take his post as bailo at Constantinople.’ (https://www.henkbovekerk.nl/the-representation-of-ottomans-in-casanovas-the-story-of-my-life/).
Casanova (1725-1798)
Writer John Freely mentions that Casanova had been a part of scandalous unconventional relationships during his visit to İstanbul as well. Note that Casanova has been a figure igniting the imagination of artists for centuries, serving as the centerpiece of numerous movies, plays, and ballet performances.
The rich collection of books and archives of the Palace have been taken to Venice but there is still a rich collection of paintings showing the heritage of diplomatic relations between Venice and the Ottomans. Portraits of Venetian Bailos (Ambassadors of the time) are adorning the walls of the Palace as well.
Each year the embassy is carrying a Masked Ball during February where artists, bureaucrats and leading figures in İstanbul are invited to pay tribute to the Venetian Carnival.
A photo from the masked ball in the Palace in 2013
Each year, the graduation ceremony of the Italian High school as well as concerts are taking place in the garden of the Venetian Palace. So if you want to have a glimpse at the Venetian Palace in the heart of Pera, I would recommend you to buy a ticket for the IKSV Jazz Festival’s concert on the July 5th that will take place in the garden of the Venetian Palace. Note that you can ‘rent’ the garden of the Palace for special occasions and receptions.
