Much Venetian architecture is Byzantine or Gothic in style. Here are some characteristic examples of the two periods.

1. Ca' Barzizza, Grand Canal, San Polo.
This house, one of the oldest on the Grand Canal, is a fine example of Byzantine style, dating from the twelfth century. Note the round-headed arches and the ABAA window plan. The upper story was a later addition. This area of the Grand Canal, just below the Rialto Bridge, was one of the first areas to be built up.

2. Byzantine house, Rio S. Canciano at Calle Widmann, Castello This area, right behind the Miracoli, was settled and developed fairly early in the city's history. This house features roundels, likely taken from earlier architecture, set into the corner of the house. The balcony dates from a later period.

3. Madonna del'Orto, Cannaregio
A nice example of a Gothic church. You can see the Venetian Gothic arch over the door, which has a double curve instead of the smooth curve of the standard Gothic. The church is well-supplied with tracery and other trim, including crockets. The red and white striped window trim is characteristic. The false gallery above the aisle gables is the only one in Venice; the sculptures in the niches are of the 12 Apostles. In the crockets above are statues of the Virgin Mary flanked by the four Evangelists.

4. Piano nobile (US second floor) of house, Campo Bandiera e Moro
A five-light Gothic window, decorated with sculptured heads and roundels. The Venetian Gothic arches are relatively restrained in shape, and have narrow carved stone facings, while the supporting columns have rather unusual capitals.