Palazzo Ducale
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What's on here
Why go
- The Great Council Chamber hosted the Republic’s main political body and measures 53 by 25 metres, among Europe’s largest rooms.
- Tintoretto and his workshop created Il Paradiso behind the Doge’s throne between 1588 and 1592.
- Sansovino’s Mars and Neptune at the Giants’ Staircase symbolize Venice’s power on land and sea.
- The Bridge of Sighs links the palace to the New Prisons; prisoners could glimpse the lagoon and San Giorgio Maggiore through its barred windows.
- Giacomo Casanova was imprisoned in the palace and described escaping through its roof.
Opening hours
Today09:00 – 18:00Show all
Don't miss
- Courtyard well-headsTwo well-heads date to the mid-16th century.Palace courtyard.
- Doge’s ApartmentsThe former residential rooms occupy the palace’s northeast corner.Between Rio della Canonica and St Mark’s Basilica, near the Golden Staircase.
- Scrutinio RoomBuilt between the 1520s and 1540s, this room faces the Piazzetta.Piazzetta-facing side.
- Museo dell’OperaSix rooms display original façade sculptures on their original columns, along with original 14th- and 15th-century capitals.Museo dell’Opera.
- Porta della CartaThe portal features Justice above a bust of Mark the Evangelist.Between the palace and St Mark’s Basilica.
Know before you go
- The public entrance is the Porta del Frumento on the waterfront side.
- The “Itinerari segreti” and “Tesori nascosti del doge” routes require booking.
Tips for your visit
- Use the MUVE app for mobile audio guides.
- Visitor facilities include a ticket office, cloakroom, shop, café and dog-sitting service.
With kids
- Family activities are designed for children and young people aged 5 to 14.
- Families can book educational workshops, themed visits and learning itineraries throughout the year.
- Booking a family activity includes museum admission.
- Practical workshops begin with a visit to the museum or exhibition.
- A baby-care station is available.
Interesting facts5
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76 doges
A frieze beneath a chamber ceiling portrays the first 76 doges.
Doge's Palace - Wikipedia -
The Great Council admitted male members of patrician Venetian families over 25, regardless of status, merits or wealth.
Doge's Palace - Wikipedia -
The Quarantia Criminal dealt with criminal law and also held legislative powers.
Doge's Palace - Wikipedia -
1517
The State Censors were established in 1517 to suppress electoral fraud and protect public institutions.
Doge's Palace - Wikipedia -
The Piombi prison cells occupied the upper eastern wing, directly beneath the lead roof.
Doge's Palace - Wikipedia
Shorts
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Palazzo Ducale. Venecia. Venice. Palacio Ducale.ElOjoFilms
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Follow me around Doge’s Palace — Palazzo Ducale in Venice, ItalyJana Meerman
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Palazzo Ducale - VeneziaMargaret Dallospedale
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La colonna maledetta di Palazzo Ducale aBelPaese Express
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Palazzo Ducale: Italy's Renaissance Royal Palace!Garda Travel Italy
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Palazzo Ducale, the Lion of St. Mark, and St. Theodore watch over Ven…Arun’s Vlog
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Meraviglie d'Italia - PALAZZO DUCALEGeoPerché
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Venezia: Piazza San Marco e Palazzo DucaleMario Farina
History
Antonio Rizzo led the canal-side reconstruction after the 1483 fire in a Renaissance style. Following the 1577 fire, rebuilding retained the Gothic style despite Palladio’s alternative designs.
- 810Doge Agnello Participazio moved the government seat to the Rialto area and ordered a palace built.
- 10th c.A fire during a citizens’ rebellion partly destroyed the 9th-century palace.
- Before the Gothic rebuildingDoge Sebastiano Ziani commissioned a reconstruction that reshaped St Mark’s Square.
- Around 1340Construction began on the new Gothic palace, starting with the lagoon-facing side.
- 1424Doge Francesco Foscari extended rebuilding to the Piazzetta wing, which housed law courts.
Show all
- 1438–1442Giovanni Bon and Bartolomeo Bon built and decorated the Porta della Carta.
- 1483–1510After a fire damaged the canal-side wing, the Doge’s apartments were rebuilt and completed by 1510.
- 1577A fire damaged the Great Council Chamber and Scrutinio Room. Repairs finished in 1579–80, retaining the Gothic style.
- 1797The Republic’s political institutions remained here until Venice’s Napoleonic occupation.
- 1876A major restoration began after the palace had fallen into serious decay.
- 1923The palace became a museum.
Accessibility
- Lift
- Toilets
- Adapted educational activities Activities can include sign-language translation and tactile or multisensory materials.
Sources: Doge's Palace - Wikipedia · Palazzo Ducale Venezia - MUVE | Sito Ufficiale · Palazzo Ducale Venezia - MUVE | Sito Ufficiale · Doge's Palace Venice - Official Website · Palazzo Ducale (Venezia) - Wikipedia · Dogenpalast - Wikipedia · Palais des Doges - Wikipedia · MUVE Education - Famiglie - Palazzo Ducale · MUVE Education Scuole - Palazzo Ducale · checked 5 Oct 2026
- Website
- palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/
- Phone
- +39 041 271 5911
Questions and answers
What is Palazzo Ducale in Venice?
It is a Venetian Gothic palace that housed the Doge’s residence, government offices and a jail.
What can I see at Palazzo Ducale?
The Great Council met in the Great Council Chamber, and Sansovino’s statues of Mars and Neptune stand at the Giants’ Staircase.
Are there activities for children at Palazzo Ducale?
Family activities, including workshops and themed visits, are designed for ages 5 to 14. Booking an activity includes museum admission.
Where is the public entrance to Palazzo Ducale?
The public entrance is the Porta del Frumento on the waterfront side.
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