English
English
Inside Doge's Palace | Secrets, Splendor, and the Story of Venice
Doge's Palace Inside
Contents
Understanding the layout of Doge’s Palace
The Doge's Palace isn't just a museum; it's a meticulously planned labyrinth reflecting Venetian history in its very structure. Let's unravel its layout and architectural highlights floor by floor:
Entrance & ground floor
The public entrance to Doge’s Palace is through the Porta del Frumento, via the colonnade under the 14th-century waterfront façade. This floor houses public services, the Museo dell’Opera with architectural fragments and sculptures, temporary exhibition spaces in the former kitchens, and the old prisons known as the "Pozzi."
Courtyard
Once a hub where important people gathered for celebrations or officials conducted business inside, look up to admire the architectural details before making your way up the grand staircase from the courtyard.
First and second floors
Accessible through the Loggia, these opulent chambers boast stunning lagoon views and masterpieces by Tintoretto and Titian. You'll also see the grand halls where the Doge and government officials once worked on the second floor.
Institutional chambers
Throughout the first and second floors, you can explore various government chambers. The Great Council Chamber on the first floor is particularly noteworthy, boasting immense size and breathtaking Tintoretto frescoes.
Armoury & prisons
Descend to the ground floor to witness Venice's impressive military might, used to protect the Republic throughout its history. Save the most intriguing for last! Explore the notorious prisons, including the cramped Pozzi Prisons and the scorching "Leads" under the roof.
Exploring the Courtyard & Loggias inside Doge’s Palace
Upon entering the palace through the Porta del Frumento, the oldest side of the building, you are greeted by a stunning courtyard framed by the Piazzetta wing to the left and the Renaissance wing to the right. The north side is connected to St. Mark’s Basilica, historically the Doge’s chapel. At the center of the courtyard stand two mid-16th-century well-heads.
Giants' Staircase
Guarded by Roman gods Mars and Neptune, this grand staircase symbolizes Venetian power on land and sea. Connected to the Porta della Carta by an ornate arch, it was once a ceremonial entrance to the Doge's Palace.
Senator’s Courtyard
Located to the right of the Giants’ Staircase, this area was where Senate members gathered before government meetings. The tour winds through the Renaissance wing, climbing from the Censors' Staircase to the Gold Staircase, reaching State Government offices above.
Notable Plaques
- Plaque from 1362: This plaque features Gothic lettering from the papacy of Urban V, offering indulgences to those who gave alms to prisoners.
- Plaque by Alessandro Vittoria: Located by the Giants’ Staircase, it commemorates the visit of French King Henri III to Venice in 1574.
The courtyards and loggias serve as both a functional entrance and a symbolic reflection of Venetian power.
Rooms and artworks inside the Museo dell’Opera
The Museo dell’Opera, located on the ground floor of the Doge's Palace, is a treasure trove of Venetian history and art, spanning six rooms. Over the centuries, the Doge’s Palace has undergone numerous restorations and the museum was established to preserve original sculptures and architectural elements removed during these renovations. Key rooms include:
- Room I: The first room houses 6 capitals from the 14th-century arcade on the lagoon-front, featuring historical characters, allegorical figures, and animals.
- Room II: The second room contains 4 capitals from the 14th-century arcade on the Piazzetta side, with themes related to work, the products of the earth, and astrological correspondences.
- Room III: This room has three special capitals, including a famous corner capital with the Creation of Adam, the Planets, and the Zodiac.
- Room IV: Here you'll see 2 shafts of columns from the arcade and a massive wall from a previous version of the palace.
- Room V: This room has more columns and carvings from the Palace's facade, including pieces from the intricate upper balcony area.
- Room VI: This room is packed with 26 capitals from the Palace's loggias (fancy balconies). There are also other architectural pieces that were removed during restorations. Look out for the inscription by the architect who built the Porta della Carta entrance, and a doge's head that's all that remains of a larger statue group.
See the Doge's private apartments
Imagine living next door to a stunning basilica and having a private entrance straight off the canal! That was the life of the Doge, Venice's leader. After a fire in 1483, these apartments were rebuilt in a super cool Renaissance style, which you can still see today.
These private quarters might seem grand, but they were actually on the smaller side compared to where the Doge might have lived before becoming leader. This was a subtle reminder that the Doge served Venice, not the other way around. The Doge even brought his own furniture from home! When a new Doge took office, the old furniture got swapped out. Key features include:
- Intricately carved wooden ceilings that reflect Renaissance craftsmanship.
- Monumental marble chimneys are adorned with lavish and delicate carvings, highlighting the grandeur of the Doge’s residence.
- The walls are decorated with elaborate painting friezes and stucco work, adding to the opulence of the apartments.
Touring the Institutional Chambers - Main organs of Venetian Republic
First floor
The Institutional Chambers of Doge's Palace were the heart of the Venetian Republic’s political and judicial administration. The first floor of these legendary chambers includes:
Second floor
Loggia floor
The dark side of Doge’s Palace: The Armoury & the Prisons
These sections of the Doge’s Palace reveal a darker side of Venetian history, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Republic’s judicial and military might.
The Prisons
The Armoury
The infamous Bridge of Sighs, built in 1614, links the Doge’s Palace to the New Prisons. This enclosed bridge contains two corridors: one connecting the Prisons to the Magistrato alle Leggi and Quarantia Criminal chambers, and the other connecting to the State Advocacy rooms and Parlatorio. The bridge earned its name from the sighs of prisoners glimpsing their last view of freedom through its small windows before entering the prison cells.
- The New Prisons, built in the mid-16th century, aimed to improve conditions for prisoners with larger, more light-filled cells. However, some sections still fell short of this goal, especially those with passageways on all sides and cells facing the inner courtyard. Each cell was lined with larch planks, continuing the tradition of earlier prison design.
- The Piombi (attic prisons) housed special prisoners, often of wealthy origins, and were named after the lead sheets on the roof, which made the cells extremely hot in the summer. Nearby is the Torture Room, where confessions were extracted.
- The Pozzi (Wells), on the ground floor, contained small, low-ceilinged cells meant for the most serious offenders. These cells were sparse, with only a board for a bed, a shelf, and a receptacle for bodily needs.
The Armoury of Doge's Palace wasn’t just a random weapons closet! It's a serious collection of historical weapons and armaments, including over 2,000 items dating back to the 14th century, displayed across four rooms. It was initially under the control of the Great Council and later managed by the Council of Ten, as indicated by the ‘CX’ initials on many items.
- Room I: Known as the Gattamelata Room, it features a finely chased suit of armor belonging to Erasmo da Narni, nicknamed Il Gattamelata, along with other 16th-century suits of armor, swords, crossbows, and ship’s lamps seized from Turkish ships.
- Room II: Highlights include a Turkish standard from the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, a suit of armor gifted by Henri IV of France, and armored horse headpieces.
- Room III: Named after Venetian admiral Francesco Morosini, it contains numerous weapons inscribed with the letters CX, a finely decorated 16th-century culverin, and a 20-barrel harquebus, a precursor to the modern machine gun.
- Room IV: This room boasts 16th and 17th-century firearms, a “devil’s chest” with hidden pistols, a poisoned arrow, instruments of torture, and small, easily concealed weapons that were banned.
How can I go inside Doge’s Palace?
Frequently asked questions about what's inside Doge's Palace
What is inside Doge's palace?
Doge's Palace is a palace complex in Venice, Italy that served as the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Venetian Republic. The palace contains numerous grand halls, chambers, and rooms decorated with artwork, frescoes, and sculptures, as well as the famous Bridge of Sighs and prisons.
Can I visit the prisons of Doge's Palace?
Yes, you can explore the historic prisons within Doge's Palace. These include the infamous Pozzi (Wells) and the iconic Bridge of Sighs. The Bridge of Sighs earned its name from the sighs of prisoners as they crossed it, catching their last glimpse of Venice before incarceration.
Are there any famous artworks inside the palace?
Absolutely! Doge's Palace boasts an impressive collection of artworks. You can admire masterpieces like Titian's "Paradise" in the Great Council Chamber and Tintoretto's epic "Paradise" painting on the opposite wall. The palace is also adorned with exquisite frescoes, sculptures, and decorative elements that showcase the artistic prowess of the Venetian Republic.
Do I need a ticket to go inside Doge's Palace?
Yes, you need a ticket to go inside Doge's Palace. The ticket can be purchased at the entrance or online in advance. There are also different types of tickets available, such as standard admission, guided tours, and combined tickets with other nearby attractions. It's recommended to book in advance to avoid long queues and ensure availability, especially during peak tourist season.
Can I take a tour inside Doge's Palace?
Yes, you can take a guided tour of Doge's Palace. This is a great way to gain an in-depth understanding of the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the palace.
How much time should I allocate to explore Doge's Palace thoroughly?
To fully appreciate the richness of Doge's Palace, it's recommended to allocate around 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This allows you to explore the main halls, admire the art, and soak in the historical ambiance.
Are there any special exhibitions or events held inside Doge's Palace?
Doge's Palace occasionally hosts special exhibitions and cultural events, adding to the visitor experience. These exhibitions often showcase unique collections and provide a fresh perspective on the palace's history and art.
Can I take pictures inside Doge's Palace?
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside most areas of Doge's Palace. However, please be mindful of restrictions on the use of flash photography, especially in rooms with sensitive artworks.
Is there a dress code to enter the palace?
While there isn't a strict dress code, it's advisable to dress comfortably and respectfully when visiting this historical site. Avoid wearing swimwear, excessively revealing clothing, or clothing with offensive slogans.
Are there audio guides or informational materials available for visitors?
Yes, you can often find audio guides and informational materials available for rent or purchase. These resources provide valuable insights into the palace's history, architecture, and the significance of its collections.
Can I access the rooftop or enjoy panoramic views from Doge's Palace?
Unfortunately, access to the rooftop or panoramic views from the palace may be limited. However, you can enjoy stunning views of Venice and the lagoon from the Bridge of Sighs, which is a highlight of the visit.
Is going inside Doge's Palace worth it?
Yes. Visiting Doge's Palace is worth it as Doge's Palace is known for its state-of-art architecture, interior, history, and panoramic views.
