Palazzo Ducale : The Chamber of the Great Council is the largest and most majestic chamber in the palace

Palazzo Ducale : he podium from where the doge was presiding, with Tintoretto's 'Paradise' on the wall behind.

Palazzo Ducale : Another equally impressive chamber, albeit more modest in scale: The Council Hall

Palazzo Ducale : The palace location within Piazza San Marco, overlooking the lagoon - view from San Giorgio Maggiore

Palazzo Ducale : The facade harmoniously blends Gothic and Renaissance architecture with Oriental influences

Palazzo Ducale : Some of the corner sculptures: Adam and Eve caught in the moment of the original sin, while above them stands Archangel Michael, symbolising divine justice

Palazzo Ducale : The magnificient 'Porta della Carta' - the name originates from the existence of a nearby desk where illiterate individuals could seek the aid of a scribe for composing letters, messages, or contracts

Palazzo Ducale : The palace courtyard with the Basilica di San Marco cupolas visible in the background

Palazzo Ducale : At the summit of the Giants' Staircase, which served as the gateway to the Doge's throne, stand two imposing marble statues of Mars and Neptune

Palazzo Ducale : The original statue of Saint Theodore who was the patron saint of Venice before Saint Mark

Palazzo Ducale : Returning inside via The Scala d'Oro or the Golden Staircase

Palazzo Ducale : The intricate artistic detail and eclectic blend of styles

Palazzo Ducale : The magnificent ceiling of the Council Hall is adorned with paintings by Veronese

Palazzo Ducale : 'Venice and Neptune' by Tiepolo is among the artworks showcased in the palace's painting gallery

Palazzo Ducale : Vittore Carpaccio’s 'Lion of Saint Mark', with its protective wingspan extending above the galleys that represent the formidable mercantile prowess of Venice

Palazzo Ducale : Not only works by Italian painters are displayed at the palace; 'Vision of the Apocalypse' is painted by one of the Antwerp-based followers of Hieronymus Bosch

Palazzo Ducale : That's how one of the fierce battles fought at sea by the Venetian fleet must've looked like

Palazzo Ducale : Sala della Quarantia Criminale was where cases of criminal law were adjudicated

Palazzo Ducale : A striking painting in Sala della Quarantia Criminale, depicting the Submission of the emperor Frederick Barbarossa to Pope Alexander III

Palazzo Ducale : Passing through the Bridge of Sighs leads to the new prison

Palazzo Ducale : The purpose of the new prison was to enhance conditions for inmates by providing larger, well-lit cells. Specific areas within the new facility completely fail to meet this objective...

Palazzo Ducale

Doge's Palace

Ornate palace where the city's political leader once resided.

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Sestiere San Marco

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San Marco (4-min walk)

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Standard admission is €30. Free entry with the official city pass.

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Highlights

Pink marble columns

Look for the two distinct columns among the elegant white colonnades facing the Piazzetta San Marco: this is where the Doge once made public appearances and pronounced death sentences.

Monumental chambers

If you thought the exterior was breathtaking, wait until you get inside: grand halls adorned with large, stunning paintings by artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and Bellini.

Chamber of the Great Council

At 53x25 meters (174x82 feet), this chamber is not only the largest and most majestic in the Doge’s Palace, but also one of the largest rooms in Europe.

Armoury

Across four rooms there's a compelling collection of over 2000 beautifully crafted suits of armor, firearms and ceremonial weapons.

Prisons

The Bridge of Sighs connects the palace to the fascinating maze of the new prisons, which were in use until 1940.

Why visit

Behind the elegant facade, majestic chambers coexist with a darker side, creating a fascinating duality.

Connect the Dots

A total of 120 Doges

The Doge held the highest political position in the Venetian Republic.

The first Doge reigned from 697 and the last was forced to abdicate by Napoleon in 1797.

Who were the Doges?

Prison break

In 1756, the notorious Casanova staged a dramatic escape from the infamous prisons.

Read about Casanova's daring escape

Virtual visit

Explore the palace on Google Arts & Culture, from the comfort of your current location.

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Ways to Enter the Palace

Entrance ticket

Explore at your pace with the simple skip-the-line ticket that also gives you access to Museo Correr.

Official City Pass

When exploring beyond the palace, use the value-packed Venezia Unica city pass for cost-effective, direct entry to both the palace and other top spots.