Doge’s Palace

Hours	Summer (April – October) 9 am – 7 pm, Winter (November- March) 9 am – 5 pm
Price	11 euro
Phone	0412715911

The Palazzo Ducale, boasting an elegant Gothic style beige, pink, and white marble exterior, sits along the Grand Canal, in Saint Mark’s Square. Although it has gone through several renovations, many believe the original Doge’s Palace was built in the early 9th century. Inside the palace, you will find an enclosed courtyard, surrounded by exterior hallways of the building’s three levels. The main rooms of the palace are accessible by long staircases, the entrances of which are flanked by columns and statues. The Golden Staircase is one of the most popular staircases, and, as its name implies, boasts an arched ceiling covered in embossed gold, the pattern thoroughly detailed. As it may be difficult to avert your eyes from this magnificent ceiling, be sure to mind your step, as the staircase is long and steep.

The center of political life for almost a thousand years, the Palazzo served primarily as the residence of the Doge, figurehead of Venice, and housed the offices of politicians as well as the city’s original prison. Eventually, another prison was built to accommodate the growing number of inmates. It is a building separate from the Doge Palace, but attached by the famous Bridge of Sighs, the route through which prisoners would be taken to their cells. As for the more elegant sections of the palace, you may view the former quarters of the Doge and the grand rooms of the political rulers through professional or self-guided tour. Should you choose the later option, be sure to understand the significance of the Doge Palace to Venetian history before embarking. Its importance is marked throughout the numerous chambers and among various relics, from famed paintings to preserved furniture and clothing.