Doge’s Palace

One of Europe’s most beautiful and easily recognizable buildings, the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) was not only the center of government during the Venetian Republic but also the residence of the Doge.

The Doge (sometimes translated as “Duke”) was the chief magistrate and leader of the Republic of Venice between 726 and 1797, a period of over 1000 years!

The Doge’s first palace was a wretched, gloomy wooden fortress with massive defensive towers, and after several fires, the castle was converted into a Byzantine-style palace. The one you see today was built mainly in the 14th century, and the façade overlooking the Piazzetta dates from the first half of the 15th century.

Although the palace is now a museum, unlike most museums, these paintings were created especially to decorate the Doge’s Palace, not added later. The art works, iconic beauty, and interesting history of the Doge’s Palace make it one of Venice’s major attractions for tourists.

It’s impossible to overstate just how impressive this building is. For centuries the Doge’s Palace had three fundamental roles: as the Doge residence, the seat of government, and as the palace of justice. This was where some of the most important decisions for Venice’s, and even Europe’s destiny were taken.

It’s room after room after room, and each served a different purpose. The most beautiful part of each room were the ceilings. Here are some of those now,

This was a very impressive room that was where the last degree of justice was exercised by the most feared tribunal: The Council of the Ten. This Commission had exceptional powers and met in absolute secrecy in what is known as the Hall of the Council of the Ten.

Here, during a trial, no-one could enter, not even the accused. The trial took place by reading statements of both the defense and accused and decisions were made by a vote that had to be an 80% majority.

Can you imagine the fear this Council drove in people? This next hall was also known Sala dei Pregadi, because the Doge asked the members of the Senate to take part in the meetings held here. The Senate which met in this chamber was one of the oldest public institutions in Venice; it had first been founded in the 13th century and then gradually evolved over time, until by the 16th century it was the body mainly responsible for overseeing political and financial affairs in such areas as manufacturing industries, trade and foreign policy. In effect, it was a more limited sub-committee of the Great Council, and its members were generally drawn from the wealthiest Venetian families.

Some more gorgeous ceilings.

And incredible rooms. One after the other, it was impossible to keep up!

This is an absolute must if you come to Venice. Again, as you can see, we saw almost no tourists and we just walked right in, but during the peak season I imagine lines are long so plan ahead.