Palazzo Ducale: A Complete Guide for Visitors

Must-See Attractions 

The outside area 

Start your visit in the grand and bright courtyard, rich with precious marble decorations. From here, go to the loggias on the first floor to admire the Gothic architecture and beautiful views of the courtyard below.

The Institutional Chambers

The first and second floors of the palace house state rooms where the administrative heart of the Venetian Republic used to beat. The Sala del Maggior Consiglio is home to Domenico Tintoretto’s Paradise and the Sala del Senato is home to Tintoretto’s Triumph of Venice.

Doge’s Apartments

The Doge’s Apartments are a look into the private life of Venice’s rulers. These rooms are less expensive than the state chambers, but they are filled with beautiful frescoes and period furniture.

The Armoury

The Armoury is a large collection of weapons and armor that shows how strong the Republic is. Venetian and Ottoman crossbows, lances, and metal armatures are among the interesting things on display.

The Prisons

You can’t visit the Palazzo Ducale without seeing the prisons. The Piombi (lead-roof cells) and the Pozzi (wells) were dark, damp, and scary places of detention. Giacomo Casanova’s escape from these cells is famous.

Secret Itineraries Tour

The Secret Itineraries Tour will give you a more immersive experience. This guided tour takes you through the Torture Chamber, Office of The Great Chancellor, and Chamber of the Inquisitors. The tour shows you how politics and justice work in Venice and you need to book it in advance.

A few tips for visitors

• To avoid long lines, book your tickets online in advance.
• Wear comfortable shoes because the palace is big and you need to walk around a lot.
• Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the historical and artistic significance of the palace.
• While photography is allowed, be careful not to use flash to preserve the artwork.

How To Get There

Palazzo Ducale is in front of St. Mark’s Basilica at Piazza San Marco 1, 30124 Venice, VE. Because it’s near the water, you can easily walk there or take a boat ride. Take Vaporetto Line 1 or 2 from the Venice Santa Lucia train station or Piazzale Roma bus terminal to the San Marco Vallaresso stop.

Hours:

• From April to October: 9.00 – 19.00.
• November to March: 9.00 – 18.00.
• The museum closes 30 minutes before it’s supposed to.

Price of the ticket:

• Admission costs €25.
• Admission is €13 for children aged 6 to 14, students age 15 to 25, and seniors over 65.
• Children under 6 are free.