Doge's Palace
Venice, Italy

The Doge's Palace in Venice, a Gothic residence and seat of power for the Republic of Venice since the 14th century, is a key landmark in the city. The building stands out with its pink Verona marble arcades, giving it a unique appearance. The Great Council Hall houses a massive painting by Tintoretto, depicting a celestial scene, measuring 22 by 7 meters. The building served political and judicial functions for over 400 years. Visiting the palace allows one to learn about the history of Venetian power and art.
- Visit time: 2 h
- Opening hours: Apr 01–Oct 31 08:30–19:00 (from OpenStreetMap — check before you go)
- Local name: Palazzo Ducale
What to look for
- Great Council Hall with Tintoretto's painting measuring 22 by 7 meters
- Scala d'Oro (Golden Staircase), richly decorated, leading to the Doge's apartments
- Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the New Prison, built in the 17th century
- Doge's Apartments, showcasing the life and style of Venice's rulers
Before you go
- Best time: Morning, right after opening, or late afternoon
- Crowds: At midday and early afternoon, especially during the tourist season
- Note: Online ticket reservation recommended. Flash photography is prohibited in some rooms.
Good to know
- The Doge's Palace was where Casanova was imprisoned in 1755 and subsequently made a daring escape, which is one of the most famous episodes in his life.
- The palace contained dungeons known as Piombi (Leads), named after the lead roof which became very hot in summer and extremely cold in winter.
Sources: palazzoducale.visitmuve.it, pl.wikipedia.org, veneziaunica.it
How long does it take to visit Doge's Palace?
Plan about 2 h.
Nearby
- Bridge of Sighs — 60 m
- St. Mark's Basilica — 100 m
- Riva degli Schiavoni — 120 m
- St. Mark's Campanile — 120 m
- Gran Caffè Quadri — 160 m
- Bar Dandolo at Hotel Danieli — 160 m
Things to do in Venice — all places with visit times
Venice — 1 day · Venice — 2 days · Venice — 3 days
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Ready-made notebooks for this city
- Venice solo and photography — 2 days
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