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Doge's Palace
This place is a real treat. Step inside and you'll be transported to a bygone era of grandeur and politics. Doge's Palace is a Venetian Gothic masterpiece that'll leave you in awe of its beauty and history.
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Uncovering Venice's Hidden Gem: The Doge's Palace
summarizeEditor's Summary
Venice's crown jewel, the Doge's Palace, is a must-see destination that will leave you in awe. This stunning palace boasts an impressive facade with intricate stone carvings and ornate details that set the tone for an unforgettable experience. As you step inside, you'll be transported to a world of opulence and grandeur, with soaring ceilings, lavish decorations, and breathtaking works of art that will leave you speechless. The palace's rich history and cultural significance make it a true masterpiece of Venetian Gothic style, and its unique blend of Byzantine and Gothic elements is a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the Doge's Palace is an experience you won't want to miss.
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Our June 2025 visit to Venice was an adventure we'll never forget. We didn't exactly attend Jeff Bezos's wedding – maybe they'll send us an invite next time. But we did manage to snap a photo of our hotel, which was pretty cool, and then headed to the Doge's Palace instead.
As we strolled through the historic streets, we couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the grandeur of this iconic palace. It's the very symbol of Venice, plastered on every postcard and tourist brochure, and for good reason – it's a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture.
About the palace
The Doge's Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Venice. Its stunning facade, adorned with intricate stone carvings and ornate details, is a sight to behold. And when you step inside, you're transported to a world of opulence and grandeur, with soaring ceilings, lavish decorations, and breathtaking works of art.
Many tourists will recognize these views, but trust me, they're even more stunning in person.
It's the only arcade – or long rows of arches – on St. Mark's Square, and it's a sight to behold.
We visited the palace partly because the heat was unbearable, and we were desperate for some shade and a breeze. But as we stepped inside, we were struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the place.
And right in front of the palace, there's a picturesque bridge and a waterside exit, perfect for taking in the stunning views of the Grand Canal.
I passed by the famous monument, a column, right in front of the palace.
The Doges
The Doges were the elected rulers of Venice, making the most important decisions and holding power and wealth. Some Doges even ruled for up to 30 years straight.
Getting there
We took the water bus to get to the museum. From the Santa Lucia train station, we got on either bus number 1 or 2 and got off at the San Marco stop.
Now, 18 years ago, when I first visited Venice, we walked from the train station to St. Mark's Square on foot, crossing the old town on tiny bridges. No problem, we made it.
Price
The adult ticket cost 30 euros. My 16-year-old son got in as a 'student' for 15 euros, without needing to show any ID.
You need to buy tickets at the counter on the first floor:
Before that, you'll need to go through security and show the contents of your bags.
I've always been the type of person who prioritizes making memories and having experiences over buying stuff. I'm all about keeping things natural, too – no fake lashes or gel nails for me!
This isn't exactly the kind of place where you want to pinch pennies, if you know what I mean.
What's inside
Inside, you'll find a spacious courtyard.
Unfortunately, the fountain wasn't working when we visited...
There are several rooms, a prison, and a souvenir shop with a cafe inside.
Let's go through everything step by step, shall we?
Staircases
The staircases are a whole story in themselves: wide, marble, and stunningly decorated.
Money flowed freely in the Venetian Republic, that's for sure!
The Grand Council Chamber:
This is where the Grand Council would meet – the advisory body of the Venetian Republic.
The Grand Council was made up of men from patrician families over the age of 25. It was also where the initial elections for the Doge would take place. The room is adorned with a massive painting by Tintoretto called 'The Paradise'.
This is the largest mural in the room, Tintoretto's 'The Paradise'.The massive rooms are adorned with frescoes on the walls and ceiling, and gold decorations.
The spread and decor are really impressive, but everything feels a bit one-dimensional and same-old, same-old:
But the view from the window is so stunning that I'd have fainted, if I didn't have a kid with me
And look at this brazen thief who's snatching food right off people's plates in the cafe, and he's also enjoying the view
What catches my eye is the portrait of the last Doge of Venice (right after the Napoleonic invasion, the Doge system fell apart):
It's all about luxury and extravagance:
Arms Room
I really enjoyed the arms room. It was less flashy, more down-to-earth, and closer to the people. The decor was different too.
The high ceilings with wooden trim:
The unfinished walls:
The armor of historical heroes:
Here are some more armor pieces:
Swords and helmets:
The prison:
The prison:
I was really disappointed here... I thought it would be cooler in the catacombs, but nope: it was just as sweltering and hot...
The prison was super well-guarded, and trying to escape was tough - there were stone grates everywhere, and now you can see the gondolas:
But, according to legend, one prisoner did manage to escape - the famous Casanova, who got locked up for his scandalous antics:
More halls:
There were more halls, including a painting gallery and a ducal chapel. We rushed through them – we had to catch our train...
The souvenir shop
I thought this was just another part of the museum – the Italians know how to decorate spaces:
But it was way overpriced. You can buy books on the coast at a bookstore, and the Venetian mask magnets I saw were being sold on the square for 10 euros for four pieces:
****
The place is definitely worth visiting. The only thing that reminded me it's a museum was the sign about preserving cultural heritage objects:
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is the best time to visit the Doge's Palace?
The best time to visit the Doge's Palace is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist season, which typically runs from June to August.
Is the Doge's Palace wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Doge's Palace is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators providing easy access to all areas of the palace.
Can I take photos inside the palace?
Yes, photos are allowed inside the palace, but please be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash or tripods.
Is food and drink available inside the palace?
Yes, there is a cafe inside the palace where you can purchase food and drinks. However, be aware that the cafe can be a bit slow, especially during peak tourist season.
Can I purchase tickets online in advance?
Yes, tickets can be purchased online in advance through the palace's official website. This is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season.
What is the dress code for visiting the palace?
The dress code for visiting the palace is smart casual, with no specific dress code requirements. However, please be respectful of the palace's historical significance and avoid wearing anything too casual or revealing.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, and Spanish. These tours provide insightful information about the palace's history and architecture.
Can I visit the palace with a group?
Yes, groups are welcome at the palace, but please be aware that group tours may require a separate reservation and may have limited availability.
Is the palace open on holidays?
Yes, the palace is open on most holidays, but it's best to check the official website for specific hours and closures.
check_circlePros
- •The palace's stunning facade is a sight to behold, with intricate stone carvings and ornate details that will leave you in awe.
- •The interior is just as impressive, with soaring ceilings, lavish decorations, and breathtaking works of art that will transport you to a world of opulence and grandeur.
- •The palace's rich history and cultural significance make it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Venice.
- •The palace's architecture is a true masterpiece of Venetian Gothic style, with a unique blend of Byzantine and Gothic elements.
- •The palace's location in the heart of Venice makes it easy to access and explore the surrounding city.
- •The palace's staff is knowledgeable and friendly, providing insightful tours and answering any questions you may have.
- •The palace's stunning architecture and rich history make it a great spot for photography, with plenty of opportunities to capture stunning shots.
- •The palace's audio guides are informative and engaging, providing a deeper understanding of the palace's history and significance.
cancelCons
- •The palace can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so be prepared for long lines and large groups.
- •Some areas of the palace are off-limits due to restoration work or private events, which can be disappointing for visitors.
- •The palace's audio guides can be a bit confusing, with some areas having multiple audio stops that can be hard to follow.
- •The palace's gift shop can be a bit pricey, with some items feeling overpriced for the quality.
- •The palace's restrooms can be a bit small and cramped, especially during peak tourist season.
- •The palace's cafe can be a bit slow, with long wait times for food and drinks.
- •The palace's dress code can be a bit confusing, with some areas requiring more formal attire than others.
- •The palace's guided tours can be a bit pricey, but they're worth it for the in-depth information and insights provided.
