Doge's Palace

A unique Venetian gothic bastion of history and luxury

The Doge’s Palace (“Palazzo Ducale”) is an icon of Venetian history and a true landmark of the city’s skyline.  

Located on the eastern end of St Mark’s Square (“Piazza San Marco”), the majestic gothic structure was built in 1340 to be the residence of the city’s Doge and the seat of Venetian government. Over the years it was extended and modified further, always retaining the same magnificent architectural style. 

In 1923, the palace was converted into the museum you can visit today.  

The building’s interior is one of extreme contrasts. Upstairs, there’s the ornately decorated stately rooms. Picture gilded ceilings, intricate artworks and grand halls. Political matters were handled within these walls, as well as judicial proceedings. 

Conversely, the palace’s lower levels and adjoining building housed a much darker reality. Here, you’ll find the cells reserved for offenders who had committed serious crimes. You can view the prisons on a tour of the palace. On your way down, you’ll cross over the famous Bridge of Sighs (“Ponte dei Sospiri”). 

It’s a remarkable building with something new to uncover and learn about around every corner. And with the Grand Canal (“Canal Grande”) mere metres away, it’s a scenic sight to behold.