
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
Activity
Take a tour around the facsinating palace of the Doges of Venice
History
The Palazzo Ducale was the residence of the Doge of Venice who was the supreme authority of the former Republic and the Palace was the heart of the political life and public administration in Venice.
The Palace was built in 1340 and was extended and modified in the following centuries. 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.
THINGS TO SEE
At The Doge’s Palace
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 Sansovino during the 16th century. The stairs are painted in 24 carat gold. The stairs are lined in oil paintings and sculpted figures creating an impressive regal entrance.
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.
Bridge Of Sighs
The Doge’s apartments, Bridge of Sighs and prisons are worth seeing – especially crossing the Bridge of Sighs.
This view – the prisoners’ view from the Bridge of Sighs as they made their way to the prison cells.
ADMISSION
Admission to the Doge’s Palace costs from €25.00 (booked in advance). There are many options in buying tickets. However, to make the most of your time, a guided tour is recommended.
Skip the line tours, private tours and the after hours tours can often be a great way to avoid waiting a long time to enter the Doge’s Palace while giving you access to parts you may not otherwise be able to view (see below or the tours and tickets page).
Highest rated guided tours include: Secret Itineraries of Doge’s Palace VIP Tour and the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Private Tour
INFORMATION
DOGE’S PALACE
WATER BUS STOP
San Marco (Vallaresso) – 5 mins
San Marco Giardinetti – 5 mins
San Marco – San Zaccaria – 7 mins
WALKING FROM
Rialto Bridge, 7 minutes
Ferrovia (train station), 30 minutes
*All times approximate
OPENING TIMES
From 01 April to 31 October: 9 am– 7 pm (last entrance at 6 pm)
From 01 November to 31 March: 9 am – 6 pm (last entrance at 5 pm)
ENTRANCE FEE/TICKETS
See tours above or use the button below to book a
Skip-the-line reserved entry ticket
Tours & Activities
All ratings November 2023. E&EO
Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour
Venice: Highlights Tour, St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace
Venice: Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs Guided Tour
Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour
Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Tour with Gondola Ride
St. Mark’s Basilica After Hours: 1.5-Hour Tour
Secret Itineraries of Doge’s Palace VIP Tour
Venice: Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Private Tour
Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary
ST MARK’S SQUARE MAP
With Visitor Attractions Place Markers
VENICE ATTRACTIONS
Things to See & Do in Venice