Casa di Carlo Goldoni

Open: 10-16.30/15.30 (summer/winter). Closed Wednesday. €5. 
Map 

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"I was born in Venice in the year 1707 in a large and beautiful house between the bridges of Nomboli and Donna Onestà, at the corner of the street Cà Centanni, in the parish of San Tomà." Carlo Goldoni.
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Carlo Goldoni is one of the few Venetians to be honoured in his native city with a public statue and the house of his birth, the Palazzo Centani-Rizzi, is now a small museum and a centre for theatre studies. Goldoni's plays, which had their origins in the tradition of Commedia dell'Arte, give an unrivalled depiction of life in 18th century Venice. 

Ian Littlewood writes in Venice: A Literary Companion, 'Venice has attracted many writers from outside but produced few of its own.' Carlo Goldoni (1707-93) was one of the few. Littlewood adds, with reference to the Casa di Carlo Goldoni, 'As writers' museums go, the collection is unremarkable, but the fine setting and scarcity of visitors make it an agreeable spot to pass a few moments.'

The Palazzo Centanni-Rizzo, which borders a canal, retains its spioncino, a small grille set into the floor of a room on the piano nobile, which enabled the owner to see who was paying him or her a call. Also preserved in the courtyard is a particularly fine well-head, or vera da pozzo. ​

Casa Goldoni

Courtyard of the Casa Goldoni