Venetian buildings have to contend with the brackish waters surrounding them. The salt slowly climbs up the walls, stripping down the plaster and conferring the city its overall dilapidated and depleted appearance. But the outside often belies the inside, which is pleasant, well cared for, and superbly furnished and appointed.

Casa San Girolamo overlooks the fondamenta of a canal, so that it is not stuffily hemmed in between other buildings but opens out onto a bright and panoramic scene in front and onto small gardens at the rear, with sunshine flowing in from three sides.