One of Venice’s largest Palaces, the Doge’s Palace, covers 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) and shows a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Byzantine styles.
Its rich cultural history, full of art and architecture, attracts visitors from all over the world.
This article covers information on highlights inside the Doge’s Palace.
Façade and Exterior of Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace in Venice is famous for its beautiful design and architecture.
It has two main façades, or fronts, each with its unique style and charm.
Facing the Grand Canal
One side of the Doge’s Palace faces the Grand Canal, the main waterway in Venice.
This façade is imposing with its beautiful columns and arches. The bottom has large arches forming a walkway, while the upper part is covered with lovely patterns and designs.
The pink and white marble in the façade looks especially pretty when the sun shines.
The architects aimed to blend Gothic elements with Eastern design, evident in the shapes of the arches and the tracery around the windows.
Facing the Piazzetta
The other main façade of the Doge’s Palace faces the Piazzetta, a small square next to the famous St. Mark’s Square.
This side is just as stunning, with a row of tall columns and more intricate patterns. It also has a balcony where the Doge, the ruler of Venice, used to address the people.
This side of the Palace is a great place to admire the blend of different architectural styles that make the Palace so unique.
It features a wall adorned with a diaper pattern of white Istrian stone and rose-colored Verona marble, adding to the building’s colorful exoticism.
Both façades of the Doge’s Palace show the Venetian builders’ and artists’ skill and creativity from long ago.
The façades harmoniously blend Gothic and Byzantine elements, reflecting the unique architectural style of Doge’s Palace.
They make the Palace a must-see for anyone visiting Venice.
Inside the Doge’s Palace
Inside the Doge’s Palace, you can see many things that showcase Venice’s amazing history.
From fancy rooms and grand staircases to the famous Bridge of Sighs and spooky prison cells, there’s something interesting everywhere you look.
Here’s what not to miss inside the Palace –
The Courtyard and Giants’ Staircase of the Palazzo Ducale
Be sure not to miss the famous Courtyard and Giants’ Staircase as soon as you enter Doge’s Palace.
Surrounded by architectural marvels such as the Piazzetta and Renaissance wings, the courtyard has two wells dating back to the mid-1600s.
As you ascend the Giants’ Staircase, you will discover Venetian history and mythology through the elaborate bas-reliefs and exquisite Roman-style décor. The Staircase is defended by enormous sculptures of Mars and Neptune.
This staircase is not only an amazing piece of construction but also represents Venice’s majesty and authority, leading to the Doge’s private chambers and the center of the Palace.
Lavish Rooms and Ornate Furnishings
Inside the lavish rooms of Doge’s Palace, you will find intricate furnishings and decorations that reflect Venice’s rich history.
For example, the walls feature vast marble chimneys and intricately carved friezes, while the wooden ceilings are adorned with exquisite stucco designs.
The Shield Room showcases 18th-century celestial and terrestrial globes, adding to the Palace’s grandeur.
Chamber of the Great Council
When exploring inside Doge’s Palace, don’t miss the Chamber of the Great Council.
It’s the largest room in Europe and was once the seat of the supreme legislative body of the Venetian Republic.
Adorned with stunning frescoes and paintings by renowned Renaissance artists, this majestic chamber offers a glimpse into Venice’s rich history and democratic ideals.
Beautiful Paintings
Inside the Doge’s Palace, you will find stunning paintings and artworks that showcase Venice’s rich history.
One notable piece is Tintoretto’s “Paradise,” a massive painting that covers an entire wall in the Chamber of the Great Council, depicting a heavenly scene.
The Palace also features beautiful frescoes by Veronese and other Renaissance artists, illustrating various historical and mythological themes.
The Bridge of Sighs
As you stroll through Doge’s Palace, you’ll come across the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
This enclosed limestone bridge connects the Palace to the adjacent prison, earning its name from the sighs of prisoners as they caught their last glimpse of Venice before imprisonment.
Take a moment to admire its elegant architecture and learn about its fascinating history, offering a glimpse into the darker aspects of Venetian justice.
The Torture Chamber
As you enter the Torture Chamber in Doge’s Palace, you’ll encounter a chilling reminder of Venice’s judicial history.
Here, you can explore the various instruments of torture once used to extract confessions and punishments.
Take a moment to reflect on the dark realities of the past while marveling at the intricate craftsmanship of these historical artifacts.
Piombi/ Doge’s Palace Prison
You will unravel centuries of mystery and history as you enter the Doge’s Palace’s infamous prisons.
The Piombi is located beneath the dark lead roof of the Palace, thus its name, which translates to “leads” in Italian.
And the other set of prisons under the Doge’s chambers, shrouded in death and disease, tells the tales of the horrific conditions inmates endured.
Offering a sobering look into Venice’s legal system and the lives of individuals who were formerly imprisoned there, visitors may now explore the prison’s eerie chambers and discover the stories of its past inmates.
Armory
When you step into the Doge’s Palace Armory, you’ll be greeted by a vast collection of weapons and armor from Venice’s illustrious past.
Here, you can admire the suits of armor worn by Venetian knights and explore the intricate craftsmanship of swords, shields, and helmets.
Take your time to immerse yourself in the history of warfare and gain a deeper appreciation for the military prowess of Venice.
Exhibitions
You can indulge in fascinating exhibits highlighting Venice’s rich creative legacy at Doge’s Palace.
Explore outstanding paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that provide an insight into the rich cultural past of the city.
Don’t miss the chance to interact with the exhibits and discover more about the distinct creative heritage of Venice.
Also you can see ongoing temporary exhibitions in the Palace to learn more deeply about the history of Doge’s Palace.
Contents
Getting Inside the Doge’s Palace!
Now that you know the wonderful offerings of Doge’s Palace, let’s see how to get inside Doge’s Palace.
First, you will need an entry ticket to gain admission inside the Palace.
You can buy them online in advance or at the ticket office located at the Porta del Frumento, the main entrance of the Doge’s Palace facing the Riva degli Schiavoni.
See how to buy an online ticket and advantages of buying online.
Doge’s Palace is very close to the St. Mark’s Basilica and most visitors combine their visit to both these attractions, in a single tour, which saves them from the hassle of purchasing tickets for each attraction separately and also saves them money.
Or, for an in-depth exploration, you can take a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and your guide will help you explore the Palace providing you with detailed insights.
St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice, is home to several iconic attractions beyond the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.
Here, you can explore:
- Campanile, offering breathtaking views of the city
- Museo Correr showcasing Venetian art and history
- Procuratie buildings, housing cafes and shops
- Biblioteca Marciana and the Archaeological Museum
- Torre dell’Orologio, the clock tower
- If you are a history buff and want to explore more of Venice’s history and architecture, you can visit all the attractions in St. Mark’s Square by buying an all inclusive combo ticket.
- Make an informed choice and enjoy your visit to the fullest!
