2025
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Heart of the political and administrative life of the Republic, the Doge's Palace keeps the memory of the history of Venice.
The Ducal Palace, also known as the Doge's Palace, is much more than a sumptuous residence for the rulers of the Venetian Republic. For over a thousand years, it served as the center of government and justice, illustrating the power of the Republic in a unique Venetian-Gothic style that continues to captivate visitors today.
History and architecture
Construction of the Palace dates back to the 9th century, but it was under Doge Sebastiano Ziani, between 1172 and 1178, that it was truly transformed in a Venetian-Byzantine style. Over the centuries, the building underwent a series of enlargements and reconstructions, culminating in its current state in a series of fires and alterations. The first major alterations to the Palace began in the 14th century with the construction of the wing overlooking the quay, followed by a ceremonial Gothic balcony in 1404. In 1424, a new wing was added on the Piazzetta San Marco side, completed by the iconic Porta della Carta (1438-1441) and the Arco Foscari (1462-1471).
After a devastating fire in 1483, the eastern part of the palace was rebuilt in Renaissance style and completed in 1516. Restored for the last time in 1577 following further fires, the Ducal Palace is today a jewel of Venetian architecture and heritage. Visitors enter through the lagoon-side Porta del Frumento (Gate of Closure), so named for its proximity to the Ufficio delle Biade(biade means oats in Italian). Inside, the courtyard reveals two magnificent bronze wells dating from the 16th century, marking the starting point of the visit.
Rooms and staircases
The tour leads first to the doge's apartments on the second floor, then to the institutional halls on the second, continuing with the Armeria and the legendary Piombi prisons, accessible by reservation. Two monumental staircases are located in the eastern wing, the most ornate part of the building. The Scala dei Giganti, designed by Antonio Rizzo, is framed by Sansovino's statues of Neptune and Mars, symbolizing the strength of Venice. This impressive staircase once served as the main entrance to the Palace, and led directly to the Porta della Carta, now used as an exit. It was here that the doges were crowned, surrounded by the Senators' Courtyard, where they would meet. The Scala dei Censori, built in 1525, provides access to the upper floors.
One of the most remarkable architectural achievements is the Scala d'Oro, added in 1559, whose ceilings are adorned with frescoes and stucco gilded with 24-carat fine gold. This staircase is a focal point for visitors, who then proceed to the institutional halls.
The Institutional Rooms
The second floor houses the institutional rooms, whose decoration bears witness to the wealth of the Republic and the talent of the greatest Venetian masters. Among the best-known are the Sala del Consiglio dei Dieci (Council Hall of Ten), used by the magistrates charged with overseeing the city, the Sala della Bussola, and finally, the spectacular Sala del Maggior Consiglio. The latter housed the members of Venice's Grand Council, and is decorated with numerous works of art, including Tintoretto's huge painting Paradise, which stands behind the doge's throne. These majestic rooms illustrate the pomp of the Republic, but also the power and control exercised over the city.
Secret itineraries and private apartments
The Ducal Palace also offers a guided tour of the Secret Itineraries, a special itinerary (by reservation only) that takes visitors into the Republic's former prisons and secret administrative rooms. This itinerary begins in the courtyard and leads to the famous Pozzi (the wells), dark ground-floor cells often flooded (hence their name) where prisoners engraved inscriptions on the walls as a testimony to their stay. The tour continues with the Chancellery, the torture room, and the legendary Piombi, nicknamed for the lead tiles on the roof that trapped the heat. Used for political opponents, the Piombi became famous thanks to Casanova, imprisoned for libertinism and dissolute morals, who escaped in 1755. The tour includes an exploration of the attic's wooden framework, ending in the Sala dei Tre Capi, the room of the three chiefs, decorated with woodwork and paintings illustrating the symbols of Venetian power.
Another itinerary offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the private apartments of the Doges. These spaces have recently been restored, restoring the Chiesetta and Antichiesetta del Doge to their former glory. In these apartments, visitors can admire the rooms where the safes containing the Republic's treasures were kept. Although no furniture remains, the walls are adorned with frescoes and paintings by great Venetian masters such as Vincenzo Scamozzi and Sebastiano Ricci, as well as superb mosaics. This area also includes the doge's private chapel, adding a spiritual and personal touch to the visit.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Further information
Opening time and information on PALAZZO DUCALE
Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission €30 (€25 if booked online more than 30 days in advance). Reduced admission : 15 €. One-way ticket for the museums in Piazza San Marco (Doge's Palace + integrated itinerary of the Correr Museum, the National Archaeological Museum and the monumental rooms of the National Marciana Library).
Members' reviews on PALAZZO DUCALE
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Situé au cœur de la place Saint-Marc, le palais a été pendant des siècles le centre du pouvoir de la République de Venise et la résidence du Doge, le chef suprême de la ville.
Ce qui impressionne d'emblée, c'est sa façade spectaculaire, avec ses arcs délicats et ses colonnes sculptées qui semblent défier la gravité. L'intérieur est tout aussi grandiose : de vastes salles décorées de fresques de maîtres tels que Tintoret et Véronèse, des plafonds dorés et un mobilier somptueux reflétant la richesse et le raffinement de la splendeur passée de Venise.
La salle du Grand Conseil, l'une des plus grandes salles d'Europe, où étaient prises les principales décisions de la république, est particulièrement remarquable.
Les visiteurs peuvent également traverser le célèbre pont des soupirs, qui relie le palais aux prisons vénitiennes, une expérience chargée d'émotion et d'histoire.
Pour les passionnés de mystères, la visite des itinéraires secrets permet d'accéder à des pièces cachées, des archives et des cellules où même Casanova a été emprisonné. C'est une incursion captivante dans les coulisses de la justice vénitienne.
Le palais des Doges de Venise a une histoire fascinante qui reflète l'essor, la gloire et la chute de la République vénitienne.
Construit à l'origine au IXe siècle comme une forteresse byzantine, le palais a été transformé au fil des siècles en un symbole du pouvoir politique et artistique de Venise.
Les étapes clés de son évolution :
IXe siècle : le premier noyau du palais a été érigé par le doge Agnello Partecipazio, après le transfert de la capitale à Rivoalto (l'actuelle Venise). L'édifice avait un aspect fortifié avec des tours et des murs épais.
12e siècle : Le doge Sebastiano Ziani entreprend une vaste reconstruction dans le style byzantin, réorganisant également la place Saint-Marc. Le palais devient plus ouvert et s'intègre à la vie de la ville.
Le sac de Constantinople, lorsqu'en 1204 l'armée des croisés, sponsorisée et transportée par les Vénitiens, a dévié de sa route vers la Terre sainte et pillé la ville la plus grande et la plus riche du monde chrétien, a scellé le Grand Schisme et divisé les catholiques et les orthodoxes pour des siècles.
La ville ne s'est jamais remise de cet événement et a lentement cédé du terrain aux Turcs qui, en 1452, ont conquis ce qui est aujourd'hui Istanbul et ont défié Venise et l'Europe.
Il ne s'agit donc pas seulement d'un acte de honte, mais aussi d'une démonstration de la cupidité, de la stupidité et de la myopie des Doges, qui connaissaient l'existence des Turcs bien avant qu'ils ne menacent leurs routes commerciales cruciales et qu'ils ne méritent des peintures dans les salles voisines du palais.
En outre, cet acte a semé la méfiance entre catholiques et orthodoxes pendant des siècles, à tel point que 800 ans après cet événement, Jean-Paul II a présenté ses excuses au patriarche de Constantinople.
Pour découvrir le palais des Doges en mode "engagé", il faut prévoir environ 3 à 4 heures, mais cela en vaut la peine car c'est l'histoire de l'opulence et du faste impressionnant d'une grande république marchande qui a existé pendant 1 000 ans, bien avant que les Néerlandais et les Anglais ne bâtissent leurs empires commerciaux.