Inside Doge's Palace Overview

Doge's Palace is an impressive Gothic-style palace located in the heart of Venice, Italy. Built-in the 14th century, it served as the residence of the Doge, the chief magistrate and leader of the Venetian Republic. Today, it is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its stunning architecture, ornate decorations, and priceless works of art.


Inside the palace, visitors can explore a series of opulent rooms, including the lavish Doge's Apartments, the grand Senate Hall, and the intricate Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the Doge's Palace prison. The palace's rich history is reflected in the artwork on display, with masterpieces by famous Venetian artists such as Titian and Tintoretto adorning the walls. Visitors can also take a guided tour to learn more about the Doge's Palace history and the role it played in shaping Venetian culture and politics.

Things to see inside doge's palace


The Doge's Apartments
The Doge's Apartments

The Doge's Apartments are a series of lavishly decorated rooms located on the second floor of Doge's Palace in Venice. These apartments served as the private living quarters of the Doge, the chief magistrate and leader of the Venetian Republic. The apartments are decorated with sumptuous frescoes, stuccoes, and ornate furnishings that reflect the opulence of Venetian high society.


Also Read: Doge's Palace Highlights

The Council Chamber
The Council Chamber

The Council Chamber is one of the most impressive rooms in Doge's Palace in Venice, and was the site of important political meetings and ceremonies during the Venetian Republic. Located on the second floor of the palace, the Council Chamber is decorated with stunning artworks by some of Venice's most famous artists, including Tintoretto and Veronese.


Must Read: Chamber of the Great Council

The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice and connects Doge's Palace to the adjacent prison. The bridge was built in the 17th century and is named for the sighs of prisoners who crossed it on their way to imprisonment or execution. The Bridge of Sighs was designed by Antonio Contino and is made of white limestone, with ornate decorations and carvings that make it a masterpiece of Venetian architecture. The bridge features two small windows with stone bars, through which prisoners could catch a final glimpse of the outside world before being taken to their cells.

The Armoury
The Armoury

The Armoury is a museum located inside Doge's Palace in Venice that houses an impressive collection of weapons and armor from the Venetian Republic. The collection includes weapons and armor from the 12th to the 18th centuries and showcases the technological advancements and artistic styles of each era. The Armoury is divided into several rooms, each with a different theme or time period. Visitors can see a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, halberds, and crossbows, as well as firearms like pistols and muskets. The armor on display ranges from simple chain mail to elaborate full suits of plate armor.


Recommended Read: Artworks in Doge's Palace

The Golden Staircase
The Golden Staircase

The Golden Staircase is a stunning staircase located inside Doge's Palace in Venice that leads from the ground floor to the Doge's Apartments on the second floor. The staircase was built in the 16th century and is one of the most ornate and impressive examples of Renaissance architecture in Venice. The Golden Staircase is so named for its richly decorated walls and ceiling, which are covered in golden stuccoes and frescoes. The walls are adorned with paintings of the 12 Roman emperors, as well as mythological scenes and Venetian symbols.


Also Checkout: Doge's Palace Dress Code

The Scala dei Giganti
The Staircase of the Giants

The Scala dei Giganti, or the Staircase of the Giants, is a monumental staircase located on the façade of Doge's Palace facing the Piazzetta San Marco. The staircase was built in the 16th century and is an impressive example of Mannerist architecture, characterized by its dramatic use of space and exaggerated forms. The Scala dei Giganti is named for the two colossal statues of Neptune and Mars, the Roman gods of the sea and war, that flank the staircase's entrance. The statues are made of white marble and stand over five meters tall, adding to the staircase's imposing and grand appearance.

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  • Visit the famous Doge's Palace in Venice, built in the 14th century, and marvel at its amazing Gothic architecture

  • Marvel at the beautiful artworks like sculptures, frescoed ceilings, and paintings by famous artisans while exploring wonderfully-designed rooms

  • Admire the magnificent interiors of the palace including the beautiful Golden Staircase built in the 15th century

  • Gain some insight into the history of the once-all-powerful Doges of Venice and the seat of a 1000-year republic as you stroll through this historic landmark

  • Book Doge's Palace tickets and admire the outstanding works of various famous artists like Tiepolo, Tintoretto & Titian

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Must Know Before You Go
  • All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of arrival.
  • ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of arrival.
  • Enter the Doge's Palace anytime between 10:00 and 18:00. Last admission one hour before closing. It is recommended to go after 11am to avoid long lines.
  • No large bags or backpacks allowed in the palace.
  • Live guide is only available on the gondola tour.
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Best of Venice: Doge's Palace & Gondola Tour
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Best Of Venice Doges Palace Gondola Tour
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Highlights
  • Visit the famous Doge's Palace in Venice, built in the 14th century, and marvel at its amazing Gothic architecture

  • Marvel at the beautiful artworks like sculptures, frescoed ceilings, and paintings by famous artisans while exploring wonderfully-designed rooms

  • Admire the magnificent interiors of the palace including the beautiful Golden Staircase built in the 15th century

  • Gain some insight into the history of the once-all-powerful Doges of Venice and the seat of a 1000-year republic as you stroll through this historic landmark

  • Book Doge's Palace tickets and admire the outstanding works of various famous artists like Tiepolo, Tintoretto & Titian

Scroll down to read more
Must Know Before You Go
  • All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of arrival.
  • ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of arrival.
  • Enter the Doge's Palace anytime between 10:00 and 18:00. Last admission one hour before closing. It is recommended to go after 11am to avoid long lines.
  • No large bags or backpacks allowed in the palace.
  • Live guide is only available on the gondola tour.
Scroll down to read more

FAQs

What is Doge's Palace?

    Doge's Palace is a magnificent palace located in St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy. It was the residence of the Doge, the elected ruler of the Venetian Republic, and the center of Venetian political power for centuries.

    Must Read: 24 Hour Clock in the Doge's Palace

What can visitors see inside Doge's Palace?

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