Let’s visit the Doge’s Palace in Venice
The wonderful Doge’s Palace is a symbol of Venice, the center of city life, Doge’s residence, seat of government and court. The building is located in the monumental area of St. Mark’s Square, in the ‘sestiere’ (disctrict) of St Mark, in the homonymous square, next to the pier. Characterized by a style that is inspired by Eastern Byzantine architecture, just to demonstrate how intense the commercial and cultural relations between the Republic of Venice and other European states were. Come with us? Let’s visit the Doge’s Palace in Venice? Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”
1) Let’s visit the Doge’s Palace in Venice? ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PALACE
The construction consists of magnificent layers of constructive and ornamental elements, and is a beauty based on a paradox of esthetics and physics linked to the fact that the heavy structure of the main body is supported by thin columns that look like sculptures. The interior, now partially deprived of works that once decorated it, still maintains a large art gallery, which includes works by the most famous Venetian masters. Also read How do I get from Venezia Lucia Station to my hotel in Venice? and What to do in Venice at night?
2) Let’s visit the Doge’s Palace in Venice? PERCEIVE THE WEALTH OF DETAILS
The Doge’s Palace consists of three ‘wings’ and opens onto a large central courtyard with a portico, where the fourth side belongs to Marciana Basilica. The exterior of the building’s façades, in Venetian Gothic style, was very well decorated, with allegorical symbols and motifs, sculpted column tops, sculptures and they are facing St Mark’s Square and the pier. They appear on two levels of columns placed on top of a marble body inlaid with Gothic windows and a monumental central counter by Pier Paolo Dalle Masegne. Read our post: Two-day Venice itinerary?
3) Let’s visit the Doge’s Palace in Venice? ADMIRE AND CONTEMPLATE
In the courtyard you can admire the Giants’ Staircase, a masterpiece of Renaissance art. The interior of this extraordinary complex houses vast halls, elegant stairs, frescoes and works of art, all with the signature of great masters such as Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and Tiepolo, and, all these works, make the place a great show where elements and architectural styles from different eras harmoniously coexist. How to get to the islands of Venice?
Carta Gate and the Great Council Room
The entrance to the palace, built by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon, is called Carta Gate because of the personalized display of decrees and new laws or even because the state archives were nearby. It was built between 1438 and 1442 by Bartolomeo Bon for Doge Francesco Foscari, who is portrayed above the entrance, in front of the lion; the statue, however, is a copy of the 19th century to replace the original, destroyed during the riots of 1797. To reach the upper floors, one must climb the Golden Staircase, so named because of the presence of sumptuous frescoes and stuccoes in gold leaves on the other side of the upper arch. Another important place in the Palace is the Great Council Room, which houses important works by Tintoretto.
4) Let’s visit the Doge’s Palace in Venice? AND THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS?
To complete the visit to the Doge’s Palace, it is a must to cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. Despite the name, the term ‘sighs’ has nothing to do with the romance of lovers. In fact, the bridge is so-called because, in the past, the prisoners who crossed it knew they would never return, since they were condemned to death. And yet the toughest dungeons were ‘i Piombi’ (the Leads), located in the attic of the Palace, where noble, wealthy and religious prisoners were held, and from which, it is said, that Giacomo Casanova escaped.
There are extraordinary walks, from the huge halls of political life to the valuable rooms in the ‘Doge’s apartment’, disturbing prisons and luminous galleries overlooking the Square and the lagoon. Also part of the route is the museum of St. Mark’s Square, which includes, in a single ticket, a visit to the Correr Museum, the National Archaeological Museum and the monumental rooms of the Marciana National Library.
The Secret Itineraries
In addition to the visit to the Palace, which is definitely an unmissable experience, I suggest you find out The Secret Itineraries. These are paths that wind along some of the rooms where, in the centuries of the Republic of Venice, delicate and important activities were carried out related to the administration of the State and the exercise of power. They offer an attractive and interesting point of reflection on the city’s civil and political history, its organization and its justice structures. On this tour you will pass through secret passages, you will be able to visit the prisons from which the courageous Giacomo Casanova escaped and you will be able to cross the bridge of sighs.
You will pass through the torture chamber, and the possibility of seeing, from above, the ceiling structure of the Great Council Room is especially interesting. In any case, it is always advisable to book visits online.
Useful Information
The visiting hours are: from the 1st of November to the 31st of March, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (entry allowed until 4:30 pm), from 01 April to 31 October from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm (entry allowed until 6:00 pm), December 25th and January 1st, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (entry allowed until 6:00 pm).
Price and Tickets
Price of the ticket: from 20.00 Euros per person. Enter the Official Website here or purchase your ticket with our partner Get Your Guide, a secure website in english. Click Here! Do not waste time and buy your ticket in advance, do not face queues and save time on your trip.
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Plus: read our tips and advices about the Venice neighborhoods and where to stay! Here you will find the perfect hotel for you and for your needs, respecting you budget! Also: booking at booking.com, you will help us to keep our blog and for free! No fees, no click baits, no fake news!
Hotels I recommend in the San Marco area
San Marco is the most famous neighborhoods of Venice and, at some times of the year, it is difficult to walk around, because the city is crowded.
If you want to save money a great option is to stay in some B&B or rent an apartment; click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer a good hotel, I have some options for hotels that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Do you like luxury accommodations? Are you on your honeymoon or celebrating something special? Then see some luxury accommodation options in the best area of Venice.
Hotels I recommend in Castello Area
Castello is the largest of all the “sestieri” (neighborhoods) and has an incredible waterside for good walks, in addition to being full of cafes, bars and shops. They are not cheap places to stay, but it facilitates access to the most famous tourist spots and, with that, saves on transportation, as it is possible to do everything on foot!
If you want to save, a great option is the B&B or an apartment, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices
If you prefer a good hotel, I have some options for hotels that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels I recommend in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro Area
If you want something calmer, choose Cannaregio or Dorsoduro; in the latter, the nightlife is particularly active, ideal for lovers of busy bars and places to have good drinks!
If you want to save a great option is the B&B or an apartment, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer a good hotel, I have some options for hotels that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices
Hotels I recommend in the San Polo Area
San Polo is ideal if you want something comfortable, close to some sights, but more modest. I think this neighborhood is a great position so I recommend it a lot.
If you want to save a great option is the B&B or an apartment, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices
If you prefer a good hotel, I have some options for hotels that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels I recommend in the Santa Croce Area
Santa Croce is home to the important bus station in Piazzale Roma, which makes it very easy to get off the beaten track, including going to Santa Lucia if you want to make a stopover.
If you want to save a great option is the B&B or an apartment, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices
If you prefer a good hotel, I have some options for hotels that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Don’t want to stay on the island? No problems! Search for Mestre, Campalto or Favaro Veneto, which are the mainland cities of Venice and offer excellent accommodation options. A little further from Piazzale Roma, about 20 minutes by water transport, they do not have magnificent views from the bedroom windows, but it is ideal for those who want to save on accommodation.
Tips
- The tip to save A LOT is to book your hotel in advance.
- As we also mentioned: beware of excess baggage! It is very complicated to get around with large volumes in Venice because of the bridges, stairs and narrow streets.
Conclusion
Let’s visit the Doge’s Palace in Venice? So why visit the majestic Doge’s Palace in the beautiful city of Venice? Well, it is definitely one of the best known and most appreciated symbols of Venice. Another very valid reason is to find out the soul of the Republic of Venice, a journey through the centuries in this beautiful building, the nervous system of the life of the Republic of Venice in the past and the eternal symbol of wealth and power that it has managed to achieve over time and that still maintains with success and participation.
And if you feel insecure, have no time, and need help to organize your trip, don’t hesitate to contact me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy come true. And how can I do that? Keep reading this post until the end and you will understand how we make your life and your trip much easier. 🙂
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