Doge's Palace History and Architecture
Plan your Visit to Doge's Palace
The museum is open for visitors from Monday to Sunday.
- From April to October : 9 AM - 7 PM
- From November to March : 9 AM- 6 PM
The museum is open for visits all round the year, except on 25th December and 1st January.
You can easily cover all the sections and chambers of the entire museum in 60 minutes. However, if you wish to get to know about the palace in detail, then you should set aside a minimum of 2 hours for this tour. The palace is full of interesting stories that can enrich your knowledge about the history of the palace and the Republic of Venice. If you have the opportunity, do visit this museum to uncover fascinating facts and tales about the palace.
There is a lot to explore in the Doge’s Palace from stunning art pieces and luxurious ambience to the grim reality of Venice’s past. You start by witnessing the giant stairways, Scala Dei Giganti and at the top of these stairs you will see two giant statues of Poseidon and Mars. The palace has one of the largest rooms in Europe, The Great Council Chamber, where public concerns and financial matters were taken care of by the Senate.
Additionally, the stunning Bridge of Sighs that connects the luxurious part of the palace to the dark prison is a must visit. The Chamber of Torment is where you will learn about the dark reality of the past and learn about heart wrenching stories. In a room called ‘Secret Itineraries’, secret meetings were held with the prisoners which were not open to the entire council. Also, get ready to be surprised by the small Doge’s apartment in this lavish facility.
Since the Doge’s Palace is in an extremely popular area of Venice, there are plenty of eateries around. Here are a few suggestions for you :
- Cantina Canaletto: Approximately 4 minutes away from Saint Mark’s Square, this restaurant has lovely outdoor seating. This restaurant offers quality dishes from all the 20 regions of Italy at an extremely reasonable price.
- Antico Martini: This is a historic restaurant that has been serving and welcoming guests from all over the world since 1720. Make sure you try the specialty of the house, black truffle pasta and celery and coriander fish soup.
- La Caravella: This beautiful place is renowned for its lovely garden setting. It is approximately 5 minutes walk from Saint Mark’s square and you can get all the Italian classics here.
Guided Tour Options
It is important to keep in mind that the Doge’s Palace is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Venice. Tourists from all over the world come to visit and it always remains busy, which is why it would be best to carefully plan your trip in advance.
The best option would be to take a guided tour. This way you will get priority access without having to wait in long lines. Also, you might not know where to start from exactly or skip certain main sights without even realizing. A guide will take you to all the main sightings so that you don't miss out on anything.
To take a guided tour also saves a lot of time and you will get to know all the backstories that you will not get to see in the museum. The guide narrates real incidents and keeps informing the tourists about the significant details of the past.
FAQ
Can you visit Doges Palace without a ticket?
It is mandatory to purchase a ticket to get entry inside the museum. You can buy the tickets at the venue or simply book online tickets from the comfort of your home. There are different types of tickets available like standard ticket, guided tours and combined nearby attractions ticket.
How do you get into Doge's Palace?
To get access inside the Doge’s Palace, you will need to purchase a ticket. The palace is situated in a very popular place which is right next to San Marco Square. You can simply follow the sign boards on the road for San Marco Square and you will reach the Doge’s Palace.
Is it worth visiting Doge's Palace in Venice?
If you are someone interested in art pieces, architecture and history, then it is definitely worth visiting Doge’s Palace in Venice. The Palace also has two sides of reality, one with a beautiful luxurious palace in it and the other with a dark reeking prison. It is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Venice and has a long interesting history.
Is there a dress code for Doge's Palace?
There is a strict dress code for the Doge’s Palace. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless clothes and hats or anything too casual or revealing. Tourists are always advised to dress modestly to avoid any disappointments.
What is the best way to reach Doge’s Palace?
One of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach the Doge’s Palace is by the local waterbus, Vaporetto. There are also other options available to choose from like a car, train, boat or a private water taxi. If you choose to walk, simply follow the signs for San Marco Square and you will reach your desired destination.
How much does it cost to get into Doge's Palace?
You will need to buy a one time ticket to get entrance inside the museum. There are different types of tickets available with the standard ones starting from $40. You can also book your tickets online in advance to avail great discounts.