The Doge’s Palace

The Doge's Palace

A major stop on the Venice audio-guided tour, the Doge's Palace surpasses all the other palaces of the city. Through its prestigious past and its sublime architecture, it remains one of the strongest symbols of Venice.

A thousand years of power

Its history begins in the ninth century as a fortified castle, rebuilt after a fire to serve as a fortress and a prison. But the monument is best known for having been the residence of the doges and the seat of government and justice for more than ten centuries. In all, one hundred and twenty doges, former heads of the Republic of Venice, held the reins of the city here.

What to see

The building illustrates all the richness of Venetian Gothic architecture, with its pink and white marble facade and its openwork arcades. Inside are the state rooms, the great council and the old prisons, linked to the rest by the Bridge of Sighs.

Practical information

The Doge's Palace is on St Mark's Square, in the heart of Venice. Days, hours and access conditions should be checked depending on the season with the site.

What was the Doge's Palace used for ?

It was the residence of the doges and the seat of the government and justice of Venice for more than ten centuries.

How many doges governed from the palace ?

One hundred and twenty doges, former heads of the Republic of Venice, governed the city from here.