Doge's Palace

Overview

The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) was the seat of Venetian power for nearly a millennium — residence of the doge, meeting place of the Great Council, and home to courts and prisons. Its pink-and-white marble façade is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic.

Highlights

• Chamber of the Great Council: The largest room in Europe without internal supports, dominated by Tintoretto's 22-meter-wide Paradise, the world's largest oil painting on canvas.
• Bridge of Sighs: The enclosed limestone passageway connecting the palace to the New Prison, visible from inside the Secret Itineraries tour.
• Secret Itineraries Tour: A guided route through hidden chambers, torture rooms, and Casanova's escape cell in the lead-roof prisons.

History

The first ducal fortress stood here in the 9th century. The current Gothic structure was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. The palace survived fires in 1574 and 1577, after which Tintoretto and Veronese were commissioned to repaint the interiors.

Visitor Tips

• Book the Secret Itineraries: This guided tour through restricted areas sells out quickly and is worth every euro.
• Combined Ticket: The Museum Pass covers Doge's Palace plus Correr Museum, Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana.
• Duration: 2–3 hours (longer with Secret Itineraries).