It is located in the sestiere (district) of San Marco and faces the Grand Canal, not far from the Rialto Bridge.

According to some historians, it became the residence of Doge Jacopo Contarini after he retired to private life, and passed to the Zane family.

The building, whose right side is characterized by the presence of numerous single lancet windows and the earth portal, is distinguished by having four overpasses that connect it to Ca' Farsetti.

At the rear, it has a long courtyard that separates the two secondary wings: numerous arched openings overlook it and it houses various wells.

The main floor contains the Council Hall, which houses works of art by Benedetto Caliari, Gregorio Lazzarini and Bonifazio Veronese.