Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

The basics

The Palace of Doges is a significant historical site in Venice, with many travelers arriving to hear about the strict rule of the Venice Doges from an expert local guide. The palace is most often visited on a 2- to 5-hour Venice tour, and can be combined with a stop at St. Mark's Basilica, once the private chapel of the Doges. Inside the palace, admire the many paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese, and climb the narrow staircases to visit the Doge's apartments and the prison cells, as well as the ducal notary. Outside is the Bridge of Sighs and the beautiful columns along the piazzetta.

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) tours that include the Secret Itineraries allow visitors, accompanied by a guide, into chambers of the palace not open to the general public. You'll see the secret chancellery where the delicate work of governing was done, the secret archives, the torture room, and the cell from which the famous writer Giacomo Casanova made his escape.

Things to know before you go

• The palace is best explored on a guided tour for an in-depth historical understanding.

• Booking a St. Mark's museum pass allows access to the three museums in St. Mark's Square; the Correr Museum (Museo Correr), Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana Library.

• The palace is wheelchair accessible, and an audio guide is available for rental.

• The majority of palace tours include Venice hotel pickup and dropoff, and a few tours offer departures from Florence and Milan.

• Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) combination tickets are €5 cheaper (€25 vs. €30) if you purchase them online at least 30 days prior to your visit.

How to get there

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is located next to St. Mark's Church in St. Mark's Square. The site is easily accessible by vaporetto (the public water taxi) on the Grand Canal, or on foot.

When to get there

Summertime is popular in Venice, so be prepared for lines and crowds. You can also encounter sweltering heat that will make you wish you were at the coast. For most travelers, the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit the city of Venice. The weather is cooler and kids are still in school, so you’ll encounter fewer families on vacation.

If you do decide to visit in the winter, you’ll probably enjoy the lowest hotel rates. However, keep in mind that many attractions, including Doge’s Palace, close earlier in the day during the winter months.

A haunting history

Death sentences were declared between the 9th and 10th columns outside the palace, while executions were carried out between the freestanding columns in the piazzetta next to the lagoon; even today Venetians won't walk between them. A final chance at life was offered if the accused were able to walk around the edge of the third column on the seaward side of the palace.

Ways to explore

You can visit Doge’s Palace independently (audioguides are available, prebooking is highly recommended) or on a group tour that might include a stop at St. Mark’s Basilica, once the private chapel of the Doges. Inside the palace, admire the many paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese, and climb the narrow staircases to visit the Doge’s apartments and cross the Bridge of Sighs. Doge’s Palace tours include the Secret Itineraries with access to areas of the palace not open to the general public. These include the secret chancellery and archives, the torture room, and the cell from which the famous writer Giacomo Casanova made his escape.

Accessibility

The main areas of the Doge’s Palace are wheelchair accessible, while the Secret Itineraries areas, prisons, and armory are not.

Age limits

There is no minimum age to enter; children 5 and under enter free.

What to pack

Camera, battery pack

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, clothing that covers shoulders and knees if also visiting St. Mark’s Basilica

Not allowed

Large bags and backpacks, umbrellas

Amenities

Free cloakroom, restrooms, café, audio guide app, gift shop

Address

Cars are prohibited in Venice, so you can go on foot or by boat. The complex is on the eastern end of St. Mark’s Square along the Grand Canal and adjacent to St. Mark’s Basilica. It’s an easy walk from central Venice or a quick vaporetto (water bus) ride.

Driving

The nearest parking area is in Piazzale Roma at Venice’s entrance, next to the bus terminal and Santa Lucia train station. Vaporetti (water buses) depart from here and cruise down the Grand Canal to St. Mark’s Square.

Public transportation

Venice’s famous vaporetti water buses follow the Grand Canal from the Santa Lucia train station to the San Marco–San Zaccaria stop near the Doge’s Palace. Or, go by private water taxi.

Best times to visit

One of Venice’s premier attractions, the Doge’s Palace is crowded at midday. Visit first thing in the morning or in the extended summer evening hours to avoid the throngs of day-trippers.

Best days to visit

The palace is particularly packed on Sunday mornings when St. Mark’s Basilica next door is closed to tourists. Opt for a weekday tour for a quieter visit.

Best months to visit

The Doge’s Palace and Venice’s other top sights are quieter in the late fall through spring, without the high-season crush.

Special events

The complex regularly hosts cultural events, including art exhibits and concerts. Check the official website for an updated schedule.