DK Travel : Venice : Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace

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A magnificent combination of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) was the official residence of the 120 doges who ruled Venice from 697 to 1797. A fortress-like structure stood here in the 9th century, to be replaced by the elegant Gothic version seen today, despite a string of fires in the 1500s. Artists such as Titian, Tintoretto and Bellini vied with each other to embellish the palace with painting and sculpture, not to mention architects Antonio Rizzo and Pietro Lombardo, the latter responsible for the ornate inner western façade.
For more Venice palaces (see Venice Palaces)

Top 10 Features

1. Façade

1. Façade

Elegant twin façades face the piazzetta and the quayside. Pink-and-cream stonework and a loggia stand above an arcade of columns with 36 sculpted Istrian stone capitals.
2. Sala del Maggior Consiglio

The majestic Great Council Chamber is lined with canvases depicting Venetian victories and a cornice frieze of 76 doges – a black curtain represents traitor Marin Falier (see The Extent of the Venetian Republic).
3. Sala del Senato

3. Sala del Senato

The Senate members who met in this lavish hall were nobles entrusted with debating war, foreign affairs and trade with the Doge. Time was measured by two clocks – one with a 24-hour face, the other with zodiac signs.
4. Prisons

A fascinating maze of cells is linked by corridors and staircases on both sides of the canal. Famous inmate Casanova (see Giovanni Casanova) made a dramatic escape across the roof in 1756. The “new prisons” were in use until the 1940s and feature poignant graffiti by internees.
5. Ponte dei Sospiri

One of the world’s most famous bridges, the “Bridge of Sighs” is an early 17th-century Baroque structure that crosses to the palace prisons. It would reputedly cause the condemned to “sigh” at their last glimpse of sky and sea.
6. Scala d’Oro

6. Scala d’Oro

The sumptuous Golden Staircase, so-called for its Classical stucco decorations in 24-carat gold-leaf framing frescoes, led guests of honour to the second floor. Designed by Sansovino (see Jacopo Sansovino), it was later completed by Scarpagnino in 1559.
7. Sala dello Scudo

Enormous globes and painted wall maps showing the known world in 1762 make this room a must. The map of Eastern Asia traces Marco Polo’s travels to China, complete with camels, rhinoceros and the mythical Uncharted Lands of the People Eaters.
8. Armoury

8. Armoury

Fascinating, if spine-chilling, collection of beautifully crafted firearms, ceremonial weapons and suits of armour from East and West . Among the war trophies is a Turkish standard brought back from the Battle of Lepanto (1571).
9. Porta della Carta

The main entrance to the palace (now the visitors’ exit) has a beautifully sculpted 1438 portal by the Bon family. It was named the “paper door” because edicts were posted here.
10. Doge’s Apartments

The communicating rooms of the Doge’s living quarters are furnished with rich brocades, impressive fireplaces, triumphal friezes, gilded ceilings and works of art.

Practical Information

A quiet modern café in the former stables on the ground floor serves snacks and drinks on water level. Don’t miss the Museo dell’Opera near the ticket office as it houses many original 14th-century façade capitals – those outside are mostly 19th-century copies. Piazza San Marco Open 9am–7pm daily (Nov–Mar 9am–5pm) (last admission 60 min before closing time); closed 1 Jan, 25 Dec Admission: €11 (includes admission to Museo Correr Complex) Secret Itineraries Tour: 041 520 90 70 (advance booking essential at palace or by phone) 9:55am, 10:45am & 11:35am daily in English Admission: €12.50 plus €2.50 booking fee (includes palace)