Doge’s Palace
If you like stories about brave knights, strong queens, and cool buildings, then Doge’s Palace and Palazzo Ducale are places you’ll love.
They have beautiful interiors with sculptures, giant courtyards, and fancy rooms.
This old building has been around since the 900s and has seen many important people.
This guide will tell you all the cool things about the Doge’s palace.
Doge’s Palace Photos
Doge’s Palace Tickets
There are several different types of tickets available to visit the Doge’s Palace, each with its own set of benefits.
From skip-the-line tickets to audio guides, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Skip the line Doge’s Palace Tickets
You can purchase a skip the line ticket to avoid the lines and visit the Palace and Corner Museum on St. Mark’s Square.
The ticket includes entry to multiple museums and libraries.
The palace is well known for its artistic beauty, including the Golden Staircase and Bridge of Sighs, as well as its troubled history with jails.
Ticket prices
| Visitors’ Age | Prices |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (15 to 65 years) | €30 |
| Youth ticket (6 to 14 years) | €15 |
| Student ticket (14 to 25 years) | €15 |
| Senior ticket (65+ years) | €15 |
| Child ticket (upto 6 years) | Free Entry |
Follow this link to learn more about skip the line Doge’s Palace Tickets
Skip the line St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Tour
The skip-the-line tour allows visitors to see two of Venice’s most iconic sites, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, without fighting crowds.
The tour includes visiting the 11th-century Basilica, which houses some of the world’s most beautiful artworks.
It is then followed by a visit to the 14th-century Doge’s Palace, which houses important artworks by Titian and Tintoretto.
Tour prices
| Visitors’ Age | English Tour Prices | Private Tour Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Adult ticket (upto 99 years) | €95 | €380 |
| Child ticket (6 to 14 years) | €80 | €380 |
| Infant ticket (upto 5 years) | Free Entry | €380 |
Follow this link to learn more about skip the line St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace
St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Tours
The tour package combines a visit to Venice’s Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica and includes skip the line entry to both attractions.
The Doge’s Palace has played a significant role in the Republic of Venice’s history, and visitors can learn about it while admiring its grand halls and intricate frescoes.
The package also includes admission to the Bridge of Sighs and the St. Mark’s Basilica Terrace, with a professional guide leading the 2.5-hour tour.
Tour Prices
| Visitors’ Age | Prices |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (15 to 99 years) | €95 |
| Child ticket (6 to 14 years) | €80 |
| Infant ticket (up to 5 years) | Free Entry |
Follow this link to learn more about St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Tours
Doge’s Palace Opening Hours
The Doge’s Palace is open to the public all year long, with opening hours from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Sunday.
Those who are excited and planning a visit must remember that access to secret itineraries is only available from 9 am to 1 pm.
The Doge’s Palace usually closes at 6 pm, but its opening hours vary on certain dates.
You can check out the official website.
How to reach Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace is located in Venice, Italy, on the Grand Canal’s waterfront at Piazza San Marco 1, 30124.
The two ways to get around in Venice are by boat or foot, with most public transportation being water-based.
If you prefer to travel by water to enjoy the city’s natural beauty, numerous ferry stations in front of the Santa Lucia train station can take you to the San Marco or San Zaccaria ferry stations.
If you prefer walking, the Doge’s Palace is located in St. Mark’s Square, and it’s easy to find with signs all over the city.
It’s a 30-minute walk from Santa Lucia train station and a 10-minute walk from Rialto Bridge.
Tips for Visiting Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy, is an amazing tourist attraction you will want to experience if you plan to visit the city.
The palace has a storied history and features stunning sculptures and artworks.
Before you go, we have a few pointers to help you make the most of your trip to the Doge’s Palace.
- Remember to book a skip the line ticket so you don’t have to wait long.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- You can tour with a guide who will tell you about the palace’s history and art.
- Bring a camera to take pictures of the fantastic artwork and architecture.
And remember to take a break and relax on the palace’s terrace to take in the beauty of Venice!
With a simple ticket, you can get discounted admission to the Doge’s Palace and make the most of your visit.
What’s Inside Doge’s Palace?
The Doge’s palace also houses several priceless works of art, including sculptures and paintings, which can be seen throughout the building.
Let’s take a look at them one by one.
The Courtyard and Giants’ Staircase
The Doge’s Palace Courtyard and Giants’ Staircase are iconic sights in Venice, Italy.
They hold centuries of history and have been the backdrop for many momentous occasions.
The Golden Staircase, or Scala d’Oro, is one of the most elegant staircases in the world.
The stairs lead to the doge’s apartment of honor and private apartments, Atrium Square and the palace’s heart.
The courtyard of the Doge’s Palace is equally impressive and was where the medieval kingdom’s senate held before government meetings.
Great Council Chamber
The Great Council Chamber in the Doge’s Palace in Venice is a historic meeting place where the Venetian kingdom’s Great Council discussed state matters, and the Doge was elected.
The room is adorned with beautiful frescoes, stuccos, and elaborate furnishings that create a regal and powerful atmosphere.
The chamber is also home to significant artworks such as Tintoretto’s Paradise and paintings depicting important Venetian events.
The Doge’s Palace Great Council Chamber remains a source of fascination for tourists and is a reminder of Venice’s significance in European history.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is an iconic landmark in Venice that connects the Doge’s Palace to the historic prison across the canal.
Made of white Istrian limestone, it has a gloomy history, as prisoners would sigh at their last glimpses of the Venetian lagoon through tiny windows.
Despite this, it is now a symbol of love and romance, and it is a tradition to kiss one’s partner while on a gondola ride passing under the bridge.
Visitors can view it from the outside for free but must purchase a Doge’s Palace ticket to walk across it.
It’s a popular spot for a romantic stroll and to explore the city.
Chamber of Torture
The Doge’s Palace Chamber of Torture in Venice was used as an interrogation and torture room during Venetian rule.
Prisoners were subjected to various brutal torture methods, such as the string method and the torture of the drop.
Despite its grim appearance, the chamber has fascinating stories and history.
Actors were hired to scream in pretend fright and pain breaking the prisoners’ psyches, and forcing them to confess.
The torture methods caused physical and mental damage, and some resulted in death. Visitors are invited to explore the chamber and learn its secrets.
Doge’s Palace Prison
The Doge’s Palace in Venice was the residence of the ruler of Venice and also served as a state prison.
The prison was infamous for its harsh conditions and political repression, with prisoners often tortured and held in solitary confinement.
Many inmates died, and their bodies were thrown into the canals.
The prison was built in the Gothic style and is known for its high walls and labyrinth of cells.
Today, it is open to the public for tours and serves as a reminder of Venice’s dark past.
Doge’s Palace Armory
The Doge’s Palace Armory in Venice, Italy, was built in the 15th century to house the armaments of the city’s Doge family.
It now houses a vast collection of historical weapons and armor from around the world, including famous armor suits from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The collection includes notable items such as
- Gattamelata, the armor of the famous leader Erasmo da Narni
- A miniature armor, most likely intended for a child or dwarf
- And the magnificent armor of French King Henry IV of Bourbon, which he donated to the Republic of Venice in 1604.
The armory stands as a testament to the military and cultural history of Venice and is a must-see tourist attraction.
Featured Image: Smarthistory.org