From the Rialto bridge you’ll see the Fondaco dei Tedeschi – Tedeschi meaning German people -; it is an imposing 15th century palace. The ties between Venice and the German world were historically very strong, and so a fondaco, from the Arabic for warehouse, was built to host the workshops of these nordic communities. In 1505 a fire destroyed it almost entirely, but in only three years it was rebuilt exactly as we see it today. For the occasion, Giorgione and Titian painted frescoes on its outer walls; but unfortunately both have been the victim of time. Today the Fondaco is owned by Benetton, who has turned it into a luxury shopping centre.
