Palazzo Ducale

We had a late start on our first morning in Venice. Our trip through Italy was coming to an end, and we were now at the point where we just wanted to take things slower after all of the full on days of sightseeing we had done so far. My plan today was to do what most people do when they first go to Venice, head straight to Piazza San Marco. There we would visit some of Venice’s top attractions – St Mark’s Basilica and The Doge’s Palace.

Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square)

Piazza San Marco

Getting an early start would have been more ideal, as the hordes of tourists were now all out and about and heading to the same place, though this didn’t take away the beauty and grandeur of the piazza, with its famous Basilica and Campanile dominating the skyline. Dodging all of the tour groups, we made our way towards St Mark’s Basilica, only to find literally hundreds of people lined up to get inside. I could think of lot of better ways to spend a day in this incredible city, so we skipped the church and went to try our luck at the Doge’s Palace.

Exploring the Doge’s Palace

Funnily enough, there was hardly anyone lined up, and I guess everyone had the same idea to head to the church first. What would have taken us hours to get inside the church took us only about fifteen minutes to buy our tickets and find ourselves inside the palace courtyard. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the crowds inside were minimal, with plenty of room to move around and explore the courtyard.

The courtyard at the Doge’s Palace

The palace (Palazzo Ducale)was built in the 14th and 15th centuries, and was used as the residence of the Doge of Venice, and also as the main government’s headquarters of the Republic of Venice. The exterior of the palace is quite spectacular, however once I entered and began wandering it’s grand halls and rooms, I could see the true meaning of grandeur. The art, architecture and pure extravagance inside the palace is incredible, and it now acts as a museum portraying this once thriving republic.

Stairs at the entrance to the Doge’s Palace

Photography isn’t allowed inside much of the palace, but some of my favourite highlights were the Grand Council Chambers and  the amoury with its old medieval weapons , from old swords and crossbows to shields and armour. I found it quite fascinating. You are free to wander around the different rooms, and there is plenty of information available for you to learn about the history of each part of the palace.

Grand Council Chambers

One of the palace’s other main functions were it’s court and prison, which were both originally part of the main building. However a larger prison was later built next door, and was connected to the palace by the famous Bridge of Sighs. Exploring the old dungeon was an interesting yet creepy experience. Again, photography is not allowed, but the general feel of the place is quite dull and bleak, and entering the old empty cells made me only imagine what it must have been like to be held in such a place.

Prison courtyard

Finally, we walked the walk of so many prisoners before us, and headed across the Bridge of Sighs back to the palace court, where they would have been given their sentence.

Visiting the Doge’s Palace gave me an excellent look into the history of Venice, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re heading to Italy.

How to visit the Doge’s Palace

Getting There

• By Vaporetto (Waterbus): Take a Vaporetto to the San Zaccaria or San Marco stop, which is a short walk from the palace.
• Walking: If you’re staying within Venice, the palace is easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city, following signs to Piazza San Marco.

Opening Hours

• Daily: The Doge’s Palace is generally open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entry at 6:00 PM.
• Winter Hours: During the winter season (usually November to March), the palace may close earlier, typically around 5:00 PM.
• Closed: It remains open year-round but may close on January 1st and December 25th.

It’s recommended to check the official website for any changes in hours before your visit.

Tickets

• Standard Ticket: A regular admission ticket provides access to the Doge’s Palace, including the state rooms, the Doge’s private apartments, the famous Bridge of Sighs, and the prison cells. At the door the ticket currently costs 30 Euros (cheaper online).
• Museum Pass: If you plan to visit more than one museum in Venice, consider purchasing a combined ticket like the St Mark’s Square Pass, which includes entry to the Doge’s Palace, St Marks Basilica and the Campanile (tower).
• Skip-the-Line Tickets: Due to the popularity of the Doge’s Palace, it’s highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Skip-the-line tickets are available to avoid long queues.

Guided Tours

For a more in-depth experience, consider joining a Secret Itineraries Tour, which takes you to hidden parts of the palace, including secret passageways, offices, and the cells where Casanova was imprisoned. Guided tours offer deeper insights into Venice’s history and the life of the Doges.

Best Time to Visit

• Early Morning or Late Afternoon: Visiting at these times helps avoid large crowds, especially during the high tourist season (spring and summer).