In this article, I present the Venice Doges' Palacethe city's landmark building.
Here you'll find
- Information on the Doges' Palace and its contents
- How to visit the palace
- Information about the ticket, its price and what it includes
- Things to do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Venice's Doges' Palace, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Doge's Palace: article summary
Palazzo Ducale, an architectural marvel bearing witness to Venice's glorious past
The Doges' Palace is one of Venice's most famous monuments, and is located on the place St-Marcin the heart of the city. The one of Italy's most visited buildings and a real must for tourists in Venice.
The doge was the chief magistrate and the leader of the Republic of Venice and occupied the palace, which also housed Venice's main institutions until the end of the 18th century. It was within this grandiose edifice that the city's main events took place.
This Doges' Palace (called Palazzo Ducale in Italian) was built in 1340, after a fire had destroyed its first version in 976. In 1577, another fire severely damaged the building, and its restoration was carried out following a competition involving the leading Venetian artists of the day. Tintoretto was commissioned to carry out various works, including an impressive representation of Paradise one of the world's greatest paintings!
What you can see in the Doges' Palace :
While its historical importance alone would justify a visit to the palace, its architecture, which blends Gothic style with that of the Renaissance and the treasures housed in the building should convince you not to miss this visit. These include:
- From prisons located under the ceilings
- From works by major artists such as Tintoretto, Veronese and the sculptor Jacobello dalle Masegne.
- Visit bridge of sighswhich links the palace to the prisons. It is one of the most famous bridges in the world (and one of the most photographed), and takes its name from the sighs that convicts must have uttered as they crossed it to reach their cells.
- A exceptional facadeIt is one of the finest examples of the so-called Venetian Gothic style.
- Visit Porta delle cartaformer main entrance to the Doges' palace, and the giants' staircase and its imposing statues
- The Golden Staircase leading to the Doges' apartments
- The majestic Grand Council Chamberwhere Venice's most important decisions were taken
- And many more secrets!
It's a must-see place, rich in works of art and history, and its architecture is bound to impress visitors. And to discover it without having to endure the long queues that form in front of the building, there are a very practical Pass.
Here it is!
What does a ticket to the Doges' Palace include?
By opting for Pass available hereThis ticket gives you priority access to the building, saving you a considerable amount of time. But that's not all, as this complete ticket includes several activities:
- A 2-hour guided tour in Frenchwith a professional guide, who will provide you with a wealth of anecdotes to help you better understand these buildings.
- Quick entry the Doges' Palace and its prisons
- A privileged access to the St. Mark's Basilica St Mark's Museum and the roof terrace of the Basilica.
- The entrance aux Procuratiesthe 3 buildings lining St. Mark's Square, occupied by Venetian officials during the Renaissance
This is clearly the best way to visit Venice's Doges' Palace, if you want to fully appreciate what's before your eyes.
Thanks to the ticket-cutteryou'll save precious time (especially if you're spending 3 days in Venice), as it's usually very crowded at the entrance. Every day, thousands of visitors flock to the gates of this must-see palace!
Good to know the Doge's Palace is an activity included in the Venice PassWe're offering you the chance to take part in 4 tours at reduced prices.
How do you get to the Doges' Palace?
The palace is located at the following address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venice. However, you will join your guide at the meeting point (Meeting Point) in front of the wooden newsstand, at the address Calle Larga de l'Ascension, Saint Mark's Square (opposite the Post Office).
Getting there is easy:
- On foot, to St. Mark's Square, which you're bound to pass.
- Visit vaporetto (1 or 2), get off at Vallessero stop
Palazzo Ducale: prices, reservations, opening hours, practical information
Here's what you need to know about the Doges' Palace, to make the most of your visit.
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket (30-64 years): €27.50
- Reduced-rate ticket (6 to 29 years old / over 65): 15 euros
- Free for 0- 5 year olds
Reservations are compulsory, and allow you to choose the time and day of your visit. Book online to receive your tickets immediately on your mobile devices. All you have to do is present them at the meeting point!
Opening hours
The Doges' Palace is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. However, guided tours are not available at 10:45 a.m. or 2:15 p.m..
Visit 2 hours for the entire tour.
Useful info
Bulky luggage is not permitted on the tour. You'll also need to cover your shoulders and knees to enter St. Mark's Basilica.
What to see and do in the area?
Because of its central location in Venice, this Palace gives you easy access to many of the surrounding sights. Here are a few suggestions:
- Piazza San Marcowith its countless pigeons and basilica (included in the tour with the pass)
- Visit Venice Campanile the city's tallest building
- Embark on a tour of gondolas in Veniceto cruise the charming canals that border the Serenissima.
- Cross Ponte della Pagliawhich offers a lovely view of the Pont des Soupirs from the outside
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
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