The Fontego (or Fondaco) dei Turchi is a strong fronted 13th‑century palace on the Grand Canal in Venice, now best known as the home of the Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia (Giancarlo Ligabue Natural History Museum).  It is one of the earliest and most distinctive secular buildings you encounter when approaching Venice from the train station.
 
Originally built as a noble residence for the Pesaro family, the palace later passed to the Republic of Venice and, in 1381, was given to Niccolò III d’Este, Marquis of Ferrara, as a reward for his support in the war against Genoa.  Its long, double‑loggias and twin corner towers reflect a blend of Venetian‑Byzantine and early Gothic styles, developed for both prestige and practical trade functions.
 
It eventually served as a market for Ottoman Turkish merchants from 1621 to 1838.
 
Interesting facts...
 
The building was established to restrict Turkish traders to one area, ensuring they were monitored by the Venetian Republic. It was managed by a custodian who opened the doors at sunrise and locked them at sunset.