Doge's Palace

Doge\'s Palace showing a castle and heritage architecture
The home of the Venetian ruling elite for hundreds of years, an enduring monument to the city’s power and stature.

Immediately recognisable for its pink marble façade, Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale in Italian) stands tall and proud in the midst of St. Mark’s Square. With its arched loggias and its militaristic crenellations, the palace struck awe and not a little fear into the hearts of the visitors who arrived in Venice by sea over hundreds of years in former times.

When you first arrive, head for the courtyard where you’ll be greeted by the great statues of Roman gods Mars and Neptune looking over you from the broad steps of the Giant’s Staircase.

Then once you’ve seen the interiors of the palace you’ll be amazed by the luxury in which the city’s former rulers once lived. Venice was run by a system of elected doges for over 1000 years until the 18th century, and it is from this building where they presided over what was dubbed the Serene Republic. The frescoes, artworks and fireplaces, as well as the exquisitely carved wooden ceilings, are all testament to the cultural might of the Venice of old.

Throughout the palace you’ll find impressive rooms, from the fine apartments of state through to the imposing Hall of the Great Council where you’ll find Tintoretto’s grand Paradise hanging behind the throne. More works by Tintoretto can be found on the walls throughout the Institutional Chambers.

Head for the prison cell where the famous Casanova was once detained, which is linked to Doge’s Palace by the Bridge of Sighs. The bridge’s name comes from the fact that this was where prison inmates took their last breath before they were put in their cell inside.

The palace is open to visitors every day, with longer opening times during the summer months. You can grab an audio guide when you arrive or book onto the museum’s Secret Itineraries tour for a closer look round the palace, including rooms not normally open to the general public. The museum’s café overlooks St Mark’s Square and is a great place to finish off your visit.

Reviews of Doge's Palace

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 66.70673076923077%
4 - Good
244
" "4 - Good 29.326923076923077%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 3.605769230769231%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0.2403846153846154%
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" "1 - Terrible 0.1201923076923077%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Jan 2020

Wonderful! Truly amazing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Jan 2020

Impressive architecture. Love the dungeons for atmosphere, and liked the walk over the Bridge of Sighs to get to the dungeons.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Nov 2019

Queues disappear from late afternoon.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Oct 2019

Beautiful building - you can see where the money is spent!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Aug 2019

It's far less crowded than St Mark's Basilica even in Summer so more enjoyable. Also there's no restriction on photography except flash. On balance I enjoyed going round this building much more than the basilica.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Aug 2019

Definitely worth a visit.

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