DOGE’S Palace: Tickets

Doge’s Palace FAQ’s

• How long does it take to visit Doge’s Palace?‍
• It’s entirely up to you, however, we would suggest at least 2 hours which gives you enough time to see it all and enjoy it.
• ‍Is Doge’s Palace accessible to wheelchair users?‍
• There are a few areas that aren’t wheelchair accessible, including the prisons, the armoury and the Bridge of Sighs.
• There is a lift to access the upper floor.
• ‍What are the dress requirements for Doge’s Palace?‍
• Beachwear or skimpy clothing is not allowed and you may be denied access. You must remember that Doge’s Palace is a location of deep historical and cultural importance so please dress respectfully.
• Do you need to book tickets in advance toviit DOGE's Palace?
• We always suggest booking tickets online in advance, yes, especially during the peak summer season as it gets extremely busy.

DOGE’s Palace Fun Facts

• Built on Stilts “Upside‑Down”: The palace is supported by a raft of larch logs which sit beneath an Istrian‑stone base, with a lighter loggia level at the bottom which was a clever way of building on the watery foundations!
• Ancient Origins & Fierce Fires: The original palace dated back to around 814. Sadly it burned down in 976 and was then rebuilt several times in the following centuries due to more fires which caused redesigns in 1340, 1424, 1547, and 1577.
• Venetian Gothic Mixed with Moorish & Renaissance: The exterior is Venetian Gothic but also incorporates Moorish and Renaissance stylistic elements, which reflect Venice’s cultural links.
• Porta della Carta: The “Door of Papers”: The ornate entrance was built in 1438 by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon, and earned its name from the public proclamations that were posted there!
• The Great Council Room Holds 1,800 Nobles: The vast Sala del Maggior Consiglio could seat up to 1,800 patricians and made it one of Europe’s largest assembly halls!
• Home to the World’s Largest Canvas Painting: Tintoretto’s “Il Paradiso” (22 × 9 m) is located behind the Doge’s throne. The painting is claimed to be the largest oil-on-canvas painting in the world!
• Lavish “Golden Staircase”: The Scala d’Oro, is rich with gilded stucco and frescoes by Alessandro Vittoria and served as a ceremonial path for dignitaries.
• Secret Rooms & Torture Chambers: There is said to be a labyrinth of clandestine corridors and cells which includes the creepy “Chamber of Torment,” where staged screams and brutal interrogations took place!
• Piombi Prison Under the Roof: The “Leads” prison, which was named after its lead‑roofed attic would have been incredibly hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter.
• The Bridge of Sighs: Built in 1600–1603 by Antonio Contin, the enclosed limestone bridge linked the interrogation rooms to the prisons and was named by Byron as prisoners would sigh at their last view of Venice as they crossed over it.
• Council of Ten: Venice’s Secret Police: A powerful, clandestine Council of Ten held power here. Its covert chambers managed investigations to protect state security.
• Symbolic Monumental Staircase: The Scala dei Giganti, which is guarded by Mars and Neptune statues, is where new Doges were crowned. The statues symbolize Venice’s land and sea dominance.
• ‍UNESCO World Heritage & Museum: Since 1923 it’s been a public museum and in 1987 it became part of the Venice UNESCO World Heritage site.