Look for the two distinct columns among the elegant white colonnades facing the Piazzetta San Marco: this is where the Doge once made public appearances and pronounced death sentences.

Monumental chambers

If you thought the exterior was breathtaking, wait until you get inside: grand halls adorned with large, stunning paintings by artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and Bellini.

Chamber of the Great Council

At 53x25 meters (174x82 feet), this chamber is not only the largest and most majestic in the Doge's Palace, but also one of the largest rooms in Europe.

Armoury

Across four rooms there's a compelling collection of over 2000 beautifully crafted suits of armor, firearms and ceremonial weapons.

Prisons

The Bridge of Sighs links the palace's prisons to the labyrinthine New Prisons, which remained in use until 1940. It's striking to imagine the opulent halls of power existing alongside such cramped and oppressive cells.

Discover more about Doge's Palace through 26 photos with explanations.

Open gallery

What to expect here

Feel the awe inside gilded chambers, their ceilings alive with overwhelming paintings.
Watch beauty turn to sorrow as you descend into the prisons and cross the haunting Bridge of Sighs.
The interplay between grandeur and gloom is what makes this experience truly unique.
Delve even deeper into the palace's hidden depths with a secret itineraries tour.

Ways to enter Doge's Palace

Think the facade facing Piazzeta San Marco and Riva degli Schiavoni is impressive? You need to step inside...

Whether you prefer a self-guided visit with a ticket or pass, or a regular or special group tour, here are four ways to access the interior of the Doge's Palace.

Basic entrance ticket

Explore at your own pace with this easy timed-entry ticket, which also includes same-day access to Museo Correr.

Official city passes

The next self-guided option is ideal if you plan to see more than just the Doge's Palace during your trip.

Opt for an official city pass, with two main choices: the MUVE Museum Pass or the all-inclusive Venezia Unica Pass.

For just €15 more than a basic ticket, the Museum Pass grants entry to 8 additional civic museums, including the extravagant Ca' Rezzonico and Glass Museum.

Another perk: you can visit the Doge's Palace anytime after noon (12:00 pm), with no need to book a timeslot in advance - simply join the special entrance row for official pass holders and enter the palace immediately.

See all passes

Classic guided tour

Enhance your visit with expert insights as a guide leads you through the palace’s publicly accessible spaces included with a standard ticket, such as the monumental Chamber of the Great Council, the interior of the Bridge of Sighs, and sections of the prisons.

You’ll even find tours that combine visits to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, which is a great way to experience both if your time in Venice is limited.

Secret Itineraries tour

Doge's Palace : In the torture chamber, prisoners had their hands bound behind their backs and were hoisted upward — a method designed to quickly extract confessions

Explore rooms otherwise closed to the public - including the torture and inquisition chambers - on this fascinating behind-the-scenes tour.

Once the tour concludes, you can continue exploring the palace as you would with a standard ticket.

Booking in advance is recommended, but with a bit of luck, you might find last-minute availability.

Prison break

Doge's Palace : The Secret Itineraries Tour also recounts Casanova’s daring escape — including how he hid an iron bar used in the attempt inside his chair

Included in the Secret Itineraries tour are the concealed attic chambers where Casanova famously escaped in 1756.

Confined to his own cell, he was allowed occasional walks in the prison garret, where he discovered an iron bar and smuggled it back hidden inside his armchair.

Day after day, he chipped away at the ceiling bit by bit - until he finally made his legendary escape.

Read about Casanova's daring escape

Virtual visit

Explore the palace on Google Arts & Culture, from the comfort of your current location.

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A total of 120 Doges

Doge's Palace : A striking painting in Sala della Quarantia Criminale, depicting the Submission of the emperor Frederick Barbarossa to Pope Alexander III

The Doge held the highest political position in the Venetian Republic, serving as both head of state and head of the oligarchy.

The word doge comes from the Latin "dux", meaning "leader".

Elected through a highly complex voting procedure by the Great Council - composed of members from Venice's noble families - the Doge was the only Venetian authority to hold office for life.

Although he performed numerous ceremonial duties, he held no real executive, legislative, or decision-making power.

Instead, Venice was governed by the Great Council, the Senate,and other magistracies, with the Doge serving as the symbolic head of the Republic.The first Doge took office in 697, and the last was forced to abdicate by Napoleon in 1797.

Who were the Doges?

A hall of equal grandeur

Scuola Grande San Rocco : Perhaps the most impressive chapter hall in all of Venice

The grand upper hall at Scuola Grande San Rocco rivals the size of the palace's largest rooms and echoes its style, with intricate woodwork and overwhelming ceiling paintings.

Tintoretto - one of the palace's main artists - spent 23 years at the Scuola creating over 50 dramatic religious scenes sure to leave you in awe.

Discover the hall

Your questions, answered

We've answered some of the most common questions about Doge's Palace to help you plan your visit:

Do I need to reserve an entry timeslot?

Only if you choose the standard ticket, known as the St. Mark's Museum Ticket. With any of the official city passes, you can enter the Doge's Palace anytime after noon (12:00 PM).

When can I visit the other included museum?

You can visit Museo Correr at any time before or after your Doge's Palace visit. Note that with a standard ticket or a Secret Itineraries tour, the museum visit must be done on the same day.

What luggage can I take inside?

You won't be allowed through the security check with suitcases, trolleys or bulky bags - that is, any luggage whose total dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 1 meter. Medium-sized bags, larger backpacks, umbrellas, and any other items deemed unsuitable by security must be left at the cloakroom, where storage is free of charge.

The tour starts in 5 minutes, but I need to use the toilet and there’s a long queue. What should I do?

Try the toilets on the first floor: they usually have shorter lines, since most visitors use the ones on the ground floor. Take the stairs next to the cloakroom to go up.