Armenian College - Zenobio Palace

The Armenian College Moorat Raphael, housed in the magnificent Zenobio Palace in the Dorsoduro district of Venice, is a place of extraordinary architectural beauty and great cultural significance. This palace, built in the 17th century, is one of the most imposing examples of Venetian Baroque architecture and represents an important reference point for the Armenian community in Venice and for the history of education and culture in the city. The history of the Zenobio Palace begins in 1690, when the noble Zenobio family commissioned architect Antonio Gaspari to build a residence that reflected their prestige and wealth. Gaspari, a student of the famous Baldassare Longhena, designed a grand building, characterized by an imposing facade, frescoed halls, and an enchanting garden. The architecture of the palace perfectly reflects the Baroque taste of the time, with a skillful use of decorations and spaces to create an effect of magnificence and splendor. One of the most fascinating elements of the palace is its garden, one of the few remaining private gardens in Venice. This green space, with its shaded paths, statues, and fountains, offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s frenzy and represents a perfect example of Baroque garden art. In 1850, the palace was purchased by the Armenian Mechitarist Congregation of San Lazzaro, which established the Moorat Raphael College there. This college, founded thanks to the generosity of Armenian philanthropists Edward Moorat and Elisabeth Raphael, aimed to provide a high-level education to young Armenians from different parts of the world. The college quickly became an important center of education and culture, helping to keep alive the traditions and identity of the Armenian diaspora. The Moorat Raphael College is known for the quality of its education and its commitment to promoting Armenian culture. The college’s curriculum included not only traditional subjects, but also the teaching of Armenian language, literature, and history. This educational approach has allowed generations of young Armenians to receive a comprehensive education and maintain a strong connection to their cultural roots. The palace houses an extraordinary collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and artifacts related to Armenian history and culture. These artistic treasures, collected over the centuries, represent an invaluable heritage that testifies to the rich cultural tradition of the Armenian people and their contribution to Venetian cultural life. One of the most interesting aspects of the history of the Armenian College Moorat Raphael is its role as a cultural bridge between Armenia and Europe. Over the years, the college has hosted numerous cultural events, conferences, and exhibitions that have promoted intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. This commitment to culture and education continues today, with the palace regularly hosting events and activities open to the public. From an artistic point of view, the Zenobio Palace is a masterpiece that deserves to be explored in detail. Its frescoed halls, works of artists like Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Ludovico Dorigny, are extraordinary examples of Venetian Baroque art. These frescoes, with their mythological and allegorical scenes, not only decorate the palace interiors, but also tell stories of great symbolic and cultural value. The main hall, known as the Hall of Festivities, is one of the most spectacular rooms in the palace. With its frescoed ceiling and walls decorated with golden stuccoes, the hall offers a perfect representation of the magnificence and refinement of Venetian Baroque. This space has been used for numerous events and celebrations over the centuries, and continues to be a privileged venue for concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events.