Doge's Palace

Welcome to the Pal-at-zo Du-ka-le, known to the world as the Doge's Palace. As we stand here between the two mighty columns of the Pe-at-zet-ta, you are looking at what was, for nearly four hundred years, the most powerful…

Upon entering the central courtyard, the transition from the public square to the institutional heart of Venice is complete. This space was the stage for the Republic's most solemn ceremonies. …

We now ascend the Scala d'Oro, the Golden Staircase. Designed in the mid-sixteenth century, largely by Jak-o-po San-so-vee-no and completed by Sk-a-mot-zi, this staircase was intended to impress the highest-ranking dignitaries…

As we enter the Doge’s private apartments, we find a curious paradox. While the public rooms of the palace are expansive and filled with some of the world's most dramatic art, the actual living quarters of the Doge were often…

We now move into the grand institutional chambers, specifically the Hall of the Senate and the Hall of the Full College, or Pe-en Col-le-gio. This is where the actual day-to-day business of the empire was conducted. …

Enter now into the most awe-inspiring room in the palace: the Hall of the Great Council. This is one of the largest rooms in Europe, and in its time, it was the largest historical hall in the world. …

From the splendor of the Council Hall, we follow a narrow corridor that takes a somber turn. This leads to the famous Bridge of Sighs, or Pon-te dei Sos-pee-ree. …

As we emerge from the palace back into the light of the Piazzetta, we conclude our journey through the heart of the Venetian Republic. This building stands as a testament to one of the most successful and enduring political…

As we emerge from the palace back into the light of the Piazzetta, we conclude our journey through the heart of the Venetian Republic. This building stands as a testament to one of the most successful and enduring political…