World Report

Grand Canal palace that became a gaming house is now broadening its appeal

Ca’ Vendramin Calergi: one of the finest Renaissance palaces in Venice, where Wagner spent his final days

he jewel in the crown of the Veneto region is, of course, Venice, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The miraculously preserved splendour of the city’s palaces and churches, in addition to its art, music and gondolas, make Venice a historical and cultural destination without equal.

The debate about how to save the city from sinking has been in progress for many years, but recently the Italian government approved a major scheme to protect the area. Known as Project Moses, it involves the construction of a series of hi-tech barriers to shield the city from the high tides of the Venetian lagoon. The barriers, designed to rise up from the seabed when there is a danger of flooding, are expected to be in operation by 2009.

Venice is a magnet for high-end tourists ready to spend their money in its shops and restaurants. Overlooking the Grand Canal, the Ca’ Vendramin Calergi is one of the finest Renaissance palaces in Venice. Built between 1481 and 1509, and extended with the addition of the White Wing in 1614, it is named after former owners Vittorio Calergi and the Vendramin family.

Today the palace’s magnificently decorated interior provides a unique setting for the gaming tables of the Casino Municipale di Venezia, which took over the building in 1959. Customers come to chance their luck at the traditional French games of roulette, trente-et-quarante and chemin de fer, or to play the slot machines, which account for 60 per cent of the casino’s revenue.

One of the palace’s most notable claims to fame is that Richard Wagner stayed and, in 1883, died there. The reconstruction of the composer’s apartment, in collaboration with the Wagner Association of Venice, is an important part of the casino’s strategy to turn the palace into a cultural centre as well as a prestigious gaming house.
“Our objective is to further enhance the historic importance of the casino, opening it up for culture and entertainment purposes separate from gambling,” says Armando Favaretto, the casino’s Director General. “We are aiming to present a broader, more structured appeal.”

The first floor of the building makes an ideal setting for private functions, cultural activities and receptions.
In terms of annual revenues, Casino Municipale di Venezia is Europe’s leading casino group, taking in £140 million a year. In addition to the Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, Casino Municipale di Venezia owns a casino at Ca’ Noghera, in Mestre on the mainland, close to Venice airport, and a third recently opened casino on the island of Malta.
The Ca’ Noghera casino is being expanded with a restaurant, bar, multipurpose area and swimming pool. “We are creating new spaces for the City of Venice and its citizens, providing the opportunity for cultural events and activities for young people,” says Dr Favaretto.

The casino makes a substantial contribution to the Municipality of Venice, last year amounting to more than £65 million. “This year we are intending to reach £70 million, a considerable amount that represents more than 25 per cent of the total income of the municipality. The money is our contribution towards the municipality’s expenditure on social related services.”