Dating back to the 12th century, this Gothic-style palace gracefully stands out among all the other buildings in Venice. It was the principal residence of the Doge of Venice, the leader of the former Venetian Republic, and served as a seat for the government. After the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, the palace has been occupied by different administrative offices. In the 19th century, the Italian government decided to renovate the building and opened it as a public museum in 1923. The palace has been rebuilt, restored and extended multiple times throughout history, which has helped preserve this masterpiece of Gothic architecture — a proud symbol of Venice and a must-see for visitors. Book your Doge’s Palace tickets and tours to explore this architectural jewel.
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Dating back to the 12th century, this Gothic-style palace gracefully stands out among all the other buildings in Venice. It was the principal residence of the Doge of Venice, the leader of the former Venetian Republic, and served as a seat for the government.
After the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, the palace has been occupied by different administrative offices. In the 19th century, the Italian government decided to renovate the building and opened it as a public museum in 1923.
The palace has been rebuilt, restored and extended multiple times throughout history, which has helped preserve this masterpiece of Gothic architecture — a proud symbol of Venice and a must-see for visitors. Book your Doge’s Palace tickets and tours to explore this architectural jewel.
Here's all you need to know about Doge's Palace, one of the must-visit attractions of Venice.
To visit Doge's Palace, you must choose from several ticket options — the St. Mark's Square Museums ticket, the Secret Itineraries Tour, the Doge’s Hidden Treasures Tour and the Museum Pass.
The St. Mark’s Square Museum ticket costs €30. However, if you reserve your ticket online at least 30 days in advance, it costs €25. This ticket gives you access to the following locations.
You can also book a Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries ticket for €32, which includes access and a guided tour of the Doge’s secret meeting rooms. Tours are in English, French or Italian, and last about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
After the tour, you can freely explore the rest of Doge’s Palace at your own pace.
You can also book the Doge’s Hidden Treasures ticket for €32, which includes access and a guided tour of the Doge’s private rooms — the Chiesetta and Antichiesetta. Tours are in English, French or Italian.
After the tour, you can freely explore the rest of Doge’s Palace at your own pace.
You can book a Venice museum pass for €40, which is valid for six months and includes a single entry to the following museums.
Doge’s Palace tickets have reduced prices for children from 6 to 14 years old, students between 15 and 25 years old, seniors over 65, families with two adults and at least one child and holders of the Venice Rolling Card or the ISIC (International Student Identity Card).
The Doge's Palace standard ticket is reduced to €15 (or €13 with early booking). The Secret Itineraries and Hidden Treasures tickets are discounted to €20, and the Museum Pass is only €22.
You must bring an ID to receive a reduced ticket.
Yes. Children under 5, disabled people plus one companion, Art Pass Venice Foundation and Art Pass Fondazione Venetian Heritage holders can visit Doge’s Palace for free.
Yes, it’s a good idea to book in advance for several reasons.
Yes. A guided tour offers many advantages to fully enjoy your Doge's Palace visit.
You'll be accompanied by an expert, who will inform you about the palace's history and construction and answer all the questions that you may have during your visit.
Group tours of Doge's Palace in Venice offer a fun and informative way to explore this magnificent landmark. They are often more affordable than private tours, making them an excellent choice for those on a budget. By sharing the cost of the guide and other expenses with other travelers, you can save money while still enjoying a high-quality tour.
Group tours offer an opportunity to meet and interact with other travelers. You'll have the chance to share your experiences and make new friends while exploring the palace together. This can be particularly enjoyable for solo travelers or those who want to connect with like-minded people.
You can also benefit from the knowledge of expert guides who know all about the palace's history, art, and architecture. They'll provide you with informative commentary, bringing the palace's stories and secrets to life.
For a more personalized and in-depth experience, consider taking a private tour of Doge's Palace in Venice. You'll have the undivided attention of your guide. This allows you to ask questions, delve deeper into the palace's history and art, and customize the tour to your interests.
Private tours offer greater flexibility than group tours. You can choose the date, time, and duration of your tour, and you'll have the freedom to explore the palace at your own pace.
They can also be tailored to your interests and preferences. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply interested in architecture, your guide can customize the tour to suit your needs.
An audio-guided tour is an excellent way to explore Doge's Palace in Venice at your own pace. It will provide you with all the information you need about each room, painting, and artifact, allowing you to focus on what interests you the most.
The audio guide provides rich and detailed information about the palace's history, art, and architecture. You'll learn about the palace's role in the Venetian Republic, the stories behind the paintings, and the symbolism hidden in the decorations.
The audio guide is easy to use, with clear instructions and user-friendly controls. The guide is available in several languages, allowing visitors from all over the world to enjoy the tour.
For a truly unique and unforgettable experience, consider taking a night tour of Doge's Palace in Venice. On an at-night tour, you will have exclusive access to the palace after it has closed to the public. This means you will be able to explore the palace without the crowds and with the benefit of expert guides.
Seeing the palace at night offers a different perspective than during the day. The palace is illuminated, casting a soft glow over the grand courtyards and halls. The atmosphere is quieter and more intimate, allowing you to appreciate the palace's grandeur and history in a more personal way.
At certain times of the year, the palace hosts special exhibitions that are only open during the evening hours. These exhibitions offer a chance to see rare and unique artifacts and artworks that are not on display during regular hours.
Yes! Combined tickets are a perfect option if you're looking for a full experience in the city of Love.
Simply wandering around the palace to appreciate its unique architecture and sea views already makes for an enjoyable visit. However, there are also plenty of marble sculptures and priceless paintings to see as well.
Upon entering, the grand courtyard with its marble arches and statues welcomes you to the palace. Antonio Rizzo designed this courtyard, which was built in the 15th century and has since been used for public events and ceremonies.
The Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge, the ruler of Venice, and his family. You can visit their luxurious apartments, which are adorned with intricate frescoes and decorated ceilings.
The Great Council Hall is the largest room in the palace and was used for official ceremonies and meetings. It is decorated with grand paintings by famous Venetian artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese.
The Armory holds a vast collection of weapons, including swords, shields, and suits of armor. It is a fascinating display of the military power of the Venetian Republic.
This connects Doge's Palace to the prison and was used to transport prisoners. It offers a beautiful view of the lagoon and is one of Venice's most famous landmarks.
The cells that once held Venice’s prisoners are located beneath the palace and are a haunting reminder of the dark side of Venice's history. The cells are small and damp, and prisoners were often held there for years without trial.
Doge’s Palace is located in the heart of Venice, next to St. Mark’s Basilica and Piazza San Marco. You can easily get there on foot or by boat.
From the Santa Lucia Train Station, the walk is 2.5 kilometers and should take you about half an hour.
From Piazzale Roma or Santa Lucia Train Station, take Line 1 to Vallaresso or San Zaccaria, Line 2 to Giardinetti or Line 4.1 or 5.1 to San Zaccaria.
From Lido di Venezia, take Line 1 to Vallaresso or San Zaccaria or Line 5.2 to San Zaccaria.
The Doge’s Palace opening times change depending on the time of year.
From April 1st to October 31st, Doge’s Palace is open Sundays to Thursdays from 9 AM to 7 PM. The last entry is at 6 PM.
From November 1st to March 31st, Doge’s Palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. The last entry is at 5 PM.
The best time of day to visit Doge's Palace in Venice is in the morning. Arriving early allows you to avoid the crowds and appreciate the palace's beauty without distractions.
The best time of year to visit depends on your preferences. Summer is the peak tourist season, spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, while winter is the quietest time of year.
Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your priorities. If you want to avoid crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn, while summer may be the best option to experience the palace at its liveliest.