Doge's Palace, St Mark's Square, Venice
Doge’s Palace
Venice, Italy
The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is one of the main landmarks in Venice
Take a tour around the facsinating palace of the Doges of Venice
About the Doge’s Palace
Located in St Mark’s Square beside St Mark’s Basilica, The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) was the residence of the Doges of Venice. The Doge was the supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice.
The Doge’s Palace is one of the main landmarks of Venice and one of the “must see” sights of Venice.
Apart from beautiful architecture and an impressive history, inside there are a variety of sights to see (see index below) including what is the most memorable for some, crossing the Bridge of Sighs from the inside as prisoners would when they saw their last view of freedom.
There are also rooms only available on the Secret Itinerary Tour including the Torture Rooms of the Doge’s Palace.
Page Index for the Doge’s Palace
Visiting the Doge’s Palace
Useful Information
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Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) |
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Winter Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 1 Nov – 31 March 09:00 – 18:00. Last admission: 17:00 |
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Summer Opening Hours 1 April – 31 October 09:00 – 19:00 Last admission: 18:00 |
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Clothing Wear appropriate clothing – no beachwear or skimpy clothing. |
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Admission: Tickets are available online. View Tickets & Tours below |
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Photo/Video: Filming and photography with flash and the use of tripods or selfie-sticks are prohibited. |
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Bags: No large bags are allowed. |
Getting to the Doge’s Palace
Vaporetto Stop & Walking Information
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Walking From Times Rialto Bridge, 10 minutes / Ferrovia (train station), 30 minutes *All times approximate |
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Nearest Waterbus Vaporetto Stop Waterbus stop: S. Marco (Vallaresso)/S. Marco Giardinetti / S. Marco – S. Zaccaria View our vaporetto/waterbus timetables here ➤ Buy vaporetto/waterbus tickets ➤ |
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Google Map Location |
Doge’s Palace Tours & Tickets
Entry to St Mark’s Basilica is only by online ticket. Being able to buy a ticket on the door (and waiting 2 hours in line) has now ended.
This is our selection of well-rated tours for the Basilica along with the Venice Pass which allows you to select exactly what you want – Basilica, Doge’s Palace and more.
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Doge’s Palace Fast Entry Ticket
Fast track entry ticket only (no guide). Entrance to Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs along with two other museums. |
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Doge’s Palace: Secret Itinerary Guided Tour + Skip The Line Guided tour of the secret itinerary of Doge’s Palace including skip the line ticket. Free time to visit the Doge’s Palace after the guided tour. |
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The Venice Pass With this Venice pass you can select what you want to see and do – Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Gondola ride and more. |
What to See in the Doge’s Palace
Neptune Offering Gifts to Venice (1748–1750) by Giovan Battista Tiepolo in the Doge’s Palace, Sala delle Quattro Porte
Image by: Didier Descouens Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Image by: Didier Descouens Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This Palace of the Doges was the heart of the political life and public administration in Venice. It’s where all the important decsions were made.
The original Doge’s Palace was built in the 9th century. As Venice’s influence grew, it was transformed into a powerful symbol of the power of La Serenissima which means “The Most Serene”.
This the historic nickname for the Republic of Venice, highlighting its long-lasting, stable, and powerful maritime dominion from 697 to 1797. The title reflects the city’s reputation for peace, diplomatic brilliance, and wealth .
Inside these walls were powerful judicial courts like the Council of Ten where justice, for better or worse, was dispensed.
The Doge’s Palace is divided up into a number of areas: Courtyard, Museo dell’Opera, Doge’s apartments, Institutional chambers, Old Prison, Bridge of Sighs and the New Prisons.
Foscari Arch and Scala dei Giganti
The main entrance leads directly into the Scala dei Giganti or Stairs of the Giants through the Foscari Arch.
The arch and staircase were designed by Antonio Rizzo during the late 15th century. The stairs lead up to the state apartmentsand it is here where the Doges were crowned (and where one was beheaded!)
On each side of the staircase are two statues, one of Mars and one of Neptune. These symbolised the power of Venice by land and sea. They were designed by Tuscan artist, Jacopo Sansovino.
Scala D’Oro (Stairs of Gold)
Designed by Jacopo Sansovino during the 16th century. The stairs have a classical Roman style decoration and are painted in 24 carat gold.
The Scala d’Oro is lined in oil paintings and sculpted figures creating an impressive regal entrance. The golden staircase owes its name to the magnificence of its classical, Roman-style decoration, with white and gold stucco.
These stairs lead to the magificently decorated rooms of the Senate and Collegio.
The stairs were purposely designed to impress vistors – people such as Henry III King of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine along with other nobles.
From the stairs you have two views: one across the Doge’s Palace courtyard and the second across the canal that the Bridge of Sighs crosses.
Sala del Collegio (Cabinet Room)
This is where the Doge had meetings with important visitors. An impressive room with paintings by Veronese and Tintoretto including one showing victory over the Turks during the battle of Lepanto. Other rooms on this floor also have their own art and sculptures worth seeing.
Sala del Maggior Cinsiglio
Sala del Maggior Cinsiglio (Hall of the Great Council). This is the great hall where the Great Council would meet. It was destroyed by fire in 1577 but rebuilt (with lavish details) between 1578 and 1594. The guilded ceiling and panels depict the glories of the Venetian Republic by Tintoretto, Veronese and more.
Torture Rooms
In the Secret Itineraries tour, you will be taken to the Palace’s Torture Rooms, the Sala del Tormento (rooms of torment).
The torture rooms are where the Venetian Republic extracted confessions and punished criminals, especially political offenders, from the Middle Ages through the 18th century.
Interrogations were held, the rope being the most used instrument of pain. It was designed to be secluded, often with thick walls to prevent screams from being heard, and was used by the Council of Ten and the “Lords of the Night” (state police).
The chamber was often used for intimidation. Prisoners were sometimes shown the instruments or forced to watch others being interrogated to compel a confession.
View from the Bridge of Sighs inside the Doge’s Palace
Image: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Bridge Of Sighs
The Doge’s apartments, Bridge of Sighs and prisons are worth seeing – especially crossing the Bridge of Sighs.
This picture shows the prisoners’ view from the Bridge of Sighs as they made their way to the prison cells.
For more information about the Bridge of Sighs and how to view it, see our Bridge of Sighs page.
View from the Bridge of Sighs inside the Doge’s Palace
Image: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Art in the Doge’s Palace
The Palazzo Ducale has a wide range of art in its rooms including the list below.
For a fuller list of work, view this Wikipedia page
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The Lion of Saint Mark by Vittore Carpaccio, 1516 |
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Venice and Neptune by Gianbattista Tiepolo, 1745 – 1750 |
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Pope Alexander III offers Doge Ziani the Holy Candle by Leandro Da Ponte detto Bassano, c. 1605 |
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The Triumph of Venice by Tintoretto, 1587 – 1594 |
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Prosperity (cornucopia) by Veronese, 1575 – 1578 |
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Saint Sebastian by Veronese, 1582 |
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Visions of the Hereafter; Hell by Hieronymus Bosch, circa 1490–1516 |
Doge’s Palace Tips & Advice (FAQs)
Can I bring bags to the Doge’s Palace?
Backpacks, large bags, and luggage are not allowed. There is a luggage storage area (cloakroom) where you can leave items.
Backpacks, large bags, and luggage are not allowed. There is a luggage storage area (cloakroom) where you can leave items.
What Should I Wear?
As with most public buildings and museums in Italy, the Doge’s Palace asks you to dress modestly.
As with most public buildings and museums in Italy, the Doge’s Palace asks you to dress modestly.
How much time is needed in the Doge’s Palace?
A standard visit usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, but guided tours (like the “Secret Itineraries”) can take longer.
A standard visit usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, but guided tours (like the “Secret Itineraries”) can take longer.
How can I avoid lines/queues?
Pre-booking tickets online is highly recommended to use the priority entrance, reducing wait times.
Pre-booking tickets online is highly recommended to use the priority entrance, reducing wait times.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Doge’s Palace offers wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms.
Yes, the Doge’s Palace offers wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms.
Do I have to go through security to get in?
Yes, you do.
Yes, you do.
Is the Doge’s Palace worth visiting?
Yes, it is. This is a building very view people in Venice were allowed to enter. The history, painting and artwork are interesting to see.
Yes, it is. This is a building very view people in Venice were allowed to enter. The history, painting and artwork are interesting to see.
Nearby Venice Attractions
Link to: St Mark’s Clocktower
St Mark’s Clock Tower
The famous clock tower of St Mark’s Square
Link to: St Mark’s Basilica
St Mark’s Basilica
11th century golden Basilica of Saint Mark
Link to: St Mark’s Campanile
St Mark’s Bell Tower
View Venice from the top
Link to: St Mark’s Basilica
Historic Cafes
Caffè Florian & Gran Caffè Quadri
Link to: Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Stunning staircase and views of Venice
Link to: La Fenice
La Fenice
World famous opera house
Hotels Nearby
SAN MARCO, VENICE
Link to: Hotel Danieli
Hotel Danieli *****
5 star luxury near St Mark’s Square
Link to: Albergo Cavalletto
Hotel Cavalletto ****
Four star hotel one minute from St Mark’s Square
Link to: Hotel Londra Palace
Londra Palace *****
Five star hotel 400 meters from the Doge’s Palace