Located in Via Vittorio Emanuele, 2, Palazzo Michiel – Loredan rises in the historic heart of Meduna di Livenza, just a few steps from the ancient Romanesque church of San Giovanni Battista.
Now the municipal seat of Meduna, Palazzo Michiel – Loredan stands on the remains of a majestic castle, most likely founded between the 10th and 11th centuries. The presence of this imposing defensive structure in the area has been documented since the early 13th century, when Meduna was part of the Diocese of Aquileia and the powerful fortification belonged to the bishop.
The imposing Renaissance building you can admire today was constructed by incorporating the medieval castle, part of which is visible on the south-east side of the palace, where the library is now located on the ground floor, the mayor’s office on the first floor, and the headquarters of the Meduna alpine choir on the second floor.
After conquering Friuli in 1420, the Republic of Venice ruled Meduna for about thirty years. Later, jurisdiction was entrusted to the noble Venetian Michiel family, which retained it until the early 18th century, passing on the title of captain by inheritance.
The grand building served as a private residence and as the administrative seat of the captaincy and the county of the Michiel family, whose territories extended as far as Summaga and Sesto al Reghena.
A feature of notable historical importance is the coat of arms, with the combined family arms, of the spouses Giacomo Michiel and Cornelia Querini, among the first residents of the sumptuous property. Initially located in the hexagonal fountain in the inner courtyard, the crest is now visible in the palace entrance hall.
After the Michiel left Meduna, the property passed to the Duodo and later to the Loredan, who maintained control over Meduna until the end of the Serenissima in 1797.
Following the First World War, the architectural complex was purchased by the silkworm cooperative and converted into a warehouse. In the 1980s, Palazzo Michiel – Loredan became the municipal seat of the town.
The splendid palace consists of a long building that runs parallel to Via Vittorio Emanuele, to which two perpendicular extensions are attached, stretching eastward and giving the architectural complex its distinctive horseshoe shape.
The building is lit on the ground floor by rectangular windows and on the first floor by single lancet windows with arches. The mezzanine instead features elegant oval openings. The building is accessed from the west through a lintelled portal, flanked by two also lintelled windows. Above the western entrance opens a three-light arched window, whose larger central opening is topped by the municipal coat of arms.
The entrance to the inner courtyard, on the other hand, consists of an elegant portico, supported by four white columns, above which stands a three-light window.
Near the palace stands an enchanting barchessa on two floors, featuring a bright portico marked by six round arches.
If you’re wondering what to do in Meduna di Livenza, visiting Palazzo Michiel – Loredan will be a memorable experience. One of the town’s most significant architectural and cultural landmarks, this charming historic building will take you on an exciting journey into the past, uncovering the roots of Meduna di Livenza.
We would like to thank the municipality of Meduna di Livenza and Mr Mauro Fasan for their kind collaboration.
