The walls of this grand palace are steeped in the history of Venice’s powerful and wealthy ruling classes.
Venice was run by elected rulers, or “doges”, from the 7th to the 18th century, and their palace is a living testament to their luxurious lifestyle. Its walls drip with priceless artworks and its lavish furnishings are remnants of the riches of a bygone age.The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is one of the first ports of call for visitors to Venice, with its pink marble façade dominating one side of St Mark’s Square. The view from the sea is particularly impressive, with the imposing outline of the palace designed explicitly to symbolise the power and wealth of its inhabitants. A fine example of the Venetian Gothic style, it has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.Statues of Mars and Neptune stare down from the steps of the Giant’s Staircase as you enter the courtyard to start your tour. Wander through the luxurious apartments and civic chambers adorned with finely painted frescoes, exquisitely carved wooden ceilings and lavish fireplaces, and picture the Venetian powerbrokers of the past as they carved out their place in history. The huge Hall of the Great Council is an especially impressive sight, reached via the famous Golden Staircase. Here you can view paintings by celebrated Venetian artists, including Tintoretto’s vast “Paradise” behind the throne, as well as frescoes and sculptures by many of his contemporaries.The atmospheric Bridge of Sighs links the palace with the prison where once the notorious lothario Casanova served out his term for womanising. The bridge is so named for offering the last breath of the outside world which a prisoner would catch before heading to the cells.Opening times vary through the year, with longer hours during the peak summer season. Audio guides will guide you through a standard visit, while special Secret Itineraries tours, bookable in advance and subject to an additional charge, allow access to rooms which are not normally open to the public and are a great way to avoid the queues and crowds. The museum café overlooks lively St Mark’s Square, and is the perfect place to make your way slowly back to the present after your sojourn in Venice’s illustrious past.
