Landmark
Doge's Palace
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The Doge's Palace is a Venetian Gothic palace in Venice, Italy. It served as the residence of the Doge, the seat of government, and a jail for the Republic of Venice. Today it is a museum, part of the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia. You can see the grand ceremonial rooms, the Doge's apartments, and the Bridge of Sighs linking the palace to the prison.
Don't miss
- The Porta della Carta, the ceremonial entrance adorned with Gothic pinnacles and a statue of Justice
- The Giants' Staircase in the courtyard, guarded by statues of Mars and Neptune symbolizing Venice's power
- The Doge's apartments, including the Scudo Room with large geographical maps and two globes
- The Museo dell'Opera, displaying original 14th- and 15th-century capitals and sculptures from the palace façades
- The Bridge of Sighs, linking the palace to the prison
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Doge's Palace
You can visit on your own (Paid entry). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inDoge's Palace: Priority Entrance (Exclusive Refundable Ticket)4.6★ · 77 travelers1-3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$41 per personSee dates →
Most bookedLegendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access4.7★ · 5,694 travelers2-3 hoursFrom$83 per personSee dates →
Top ratedVenice In a Day St Mark's Doges Palace Gondola Ride and City Tour4.8★ · 4,539 travelers4-6 hoursFrom$129 per personSee dates →Getting there
Know before you go
- The public entrance is via the Porta del Frumento on the waterfront side.
- Consider the guided tour 'Secret Itinerary' to see the administration areas, Casanova's jail, and the roof structure.
A bit of history
The first palace was built in 810 after the seat of government moved to the Rialto area. It was partially destroyed by fire in the 10th century and rebuilt. Major Gothic construction began around 1340, with extensions in the 15th century. Fires in 1483, 1574, and 1577 led to reconstructions, always respecting the original Gothic style. After the Republic fell in 1797, the palace housed administrative offices and cultural institutions. It became a museum in 1923.
Common questions
What is the Porta della Carta?
It is the ceremonial entrance to the palace, built in 1438–1442. Its name may come from public scribes who set up desks there or from the nearby state archives. It features Gothic pinnacles, a bust of Mark the Evangelist, and a statue of Justice.
Why is the Giants' Staircase called that?
It is named after the two colossal statues of Mars and Neptune by Sansovino, added in 1567, which represent Venice's power by land and by sea.
Can I see the original sculptures from the palace?
Yes, in the Museo dell'Opera. After a major restoration in the 19th century, 42 original capitals and other sculptures were removed and replaced with copies; the originals are now displayed in six rooms of the museum.
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