Doge's Palace
Visit the former royal residence of powerful Doges and explore the Armory room, Chamber of the Council of Ten, the Scala d'Oro staircase and more. Book Doge's Palace tickets here and enjoy skip-the-line entry, guided tours, and combo tours with St. Mark's Basilica.
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Pro tips to help you make a pick
Skip-the-Line is a life-saver: Avoid long queues by purchasing skip-the-line tickets online. Prices start at €27, but it's worth the extra cost to save 1-3 hours of waiting time.
Guided tours enhance the experience: Opt for a guided tour to gain insights into the palace's history, art, and architecture. Audio guides are also available for a more flexible exploration.
Don't miss out on the inclusions: Most tickets also grant free access to the other buildings inside the St. Marks Square like the National Archeological Museum and the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana and the Museo Correr. So ensure you visit these landmarks too.
Enjoy the complete Venetian experience: Consider booking the combo tour with a gondola ride. Floating down Venice's iconic waterways before or after a breathtaking visit to the Palace will be the perfect icing on the cake.
If you're staying in Venice for a week or more: Purchasing the Turbopass Venice City Card is highly recommended. This card not only grants you free access to 30+ top attractions (including the Doge's Palace, Leonardo's Museum, etc.) but also offers hop-on-hop-off boat tours, Venice city guided tours and more.
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About The Doge's Palace
Doge's Palace, a striking example of Venetian Gothic architecture, stands as a testament to the power and wealth of the Venetian Republic. Inside, it houses opulent rooms and renowned works by Tintoretto and Veronese. Key highlights include the grand Council Chamber, the eerie prison cells, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
The Scala d'Oro, or Golden Staircase was used as an exclusive route for esteemed guests and dignitaries to access the Doge's apartments and state rooms. It was named for its lavish gold stucco decorations.
The palace's infamous "Bridge of Sighs" earned its name as it connected the interrogation rooms to the New Prisons, and prisoners would reportedly sigh at their final view of Venice.
The Doge's Palace is home to the largest canvas in Venice, titled Il Paradiso by Jacopo Tintoretto. It depicts over 500 figures, ready to ascend Heaven, with Jesus and Mary in the middle.
An ancient (and strange!) ritual known as the "Wedding of the Sea" took place at The Doge's Palace every year, where the Doge would get 'married' to the sea. This was used to symbolize Venice's maritime power.
The Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Grand Council Chamber) in Doge's Palace was one of the largest rooms in Europe at the time it was built. It could hold up to 2,000 members of the Venetian nobility, who gathered to discuss and vote on important matters of state.
Why visit The Doge's Palace?
Highlights
Porta della Carta
Crafted by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon, the Porta della Carta is a magnificent marble portal that serves as the main entrance to the Doge's Palace. It is a masterpiece of Late Gothic sculpture, adorned with intricate carvings depicting allegorical figures, biblical scenes and Venetian virtues.
Bridge of Sighs
Walk across the iconic Bridge of Sighs, connecting the Doge's Palace to the Prisons, and soak in the romantic ambiance while enjoying panoramic views of Venice.
Great Council Chamber
Step into the majestic Great Council Chamber, where 2000 or more Venetian nobles once convened. here, you can find stunning artworks, including Tintoretto's famous "Il Paradiso" painting.
Golden Staircase
This staircase connects the ground floor to the upper floors of the palace and is adorned with a luxurious golden hue, intricate decorations and exquisite detailing. The Dukes of Venice left no stone unturned to live a life of steeped in luxury!
Prisons (Prigioni)
The Prigioni, or prisons, are located beneath the Doge's Palace and offer a glimpse into the darker side of Venetian history. These dank and narrow cells once held prisoners, including the notorious Giacomo Casanova.
Plan your visit
Porta della Carta
The main entrance, it is located on the side of the Doge's Palace facing Piazza San Marco. It can be used by all visitors, including those with disabilities. The average wait time at this entrance is around 15-20 minutes.
Porta del Frumento
Located on the waterfront side of the Doge's Palace, this entrance is mainly used by tour groups and visitors with tickets. It is accessible to all, including those with disabilities. The average wait time at this entrance is about 10-15 minutes.
Scala dei Giganti
Located on the side of the Doge's Palace facing the waterfront, this entrance is mainly used by visitors with tickets. The average wait time at this entrance is approximately 10-15 minutes.
Special evening openings in 2024: 9am to 11pm from May 1 to September 30 on Fridays and Saturdays. (Last entry at 10pm).
Closed: Doge's Palace remains closed on December 25 and January 1.
Guests with big bags are requested to deposit their belongings at the cloak room.
You can take a snack break at the museum cafe.
For nappy changing, breastfeeding and simply relaxing.
The regular museum and toilets on the ground floor are wheelchair accessible. The Secret Itineraries, Prisons and Armoury are not accessible.
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