Prisons Palace: Tickets and Tours
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The eternally beautiful Floating City, Venice is a melting pot of historical architecture, centuries-old cultural influences and spectacular canals that have made it one of the most iconic cities in Europe.
Embodying its historical allure to a tee, one of Venice’s most well-known attractions is the Prisons Palace (Palazzo delle Prigioni), which stands parallel to the Doge's Palace.
Once an institution for Venetian criminals including Casanova (and one of the earliest jails in Europe), the Prisons Palace has since been transformed into an innovative cultural center. Get your Prisons Palace ticket to discover the intriguing history of this macabre jailhouse.
Here's all you need to know about the Prisons Palace, one of the most exciting attractions in Venice.
How much do Prisons Palace tickets cost?
Single-entry tickets to Prisons Palace include a guided tour by prison staff in either English or Italian.
- Adults (15-99): €15
- Children (6-14): €10
- Toddlers (0-6): Free
Why should I book in advance?
It's highly advisable to book your tickets in advance. Tickets are available in limited numbers for each tour, and by purchasing them beforehand you not only secure your spot but skip-the-line entry.
What are the best Prisons Palace tours?
You have a few options when it comes to touring the Prisons Palace. Let's take a look at the most popular choices:
Doge's Palace & Prisons Tour
This 2-hour tour will take you through the Venetian-Gothic Doge's Palace and its ominous prison quarters back to back.
First, you'll wander through the magnificent rooms and halls of the palace, and learn about its important role in Venice's history as a government building. You'll also get to see many Renaissance masterpieces that line the walls.
Then, your guide will take you to explore the darker side of the palace as you enter the prison cells. This tour provides an interesting contrast between beauty and punishment throughout Venice's history.
"Lords of the Night" Prisons Palace tour
If you want to delve deeper into the prison's history, without all the palace glamour, this short and insightful 30-minute tour is an excellent choice.
Focusing exclusively on the darker side of Piazza San Marco, this tour takes you through hidden passages to the prison cells and torture rooms where you can gain a deeper understanding of the environments that prisoners were kept in.
Along the way, your local guides will tell you all about the Council of Ten, Casanova’s exciting jailbreak, and the prison's transformation into the Artistic Circle.
What will you see inside?
Inside the Prisons Palace, you'll be able to walk through cells that once held illustrious prisoners, including the famous Giacomo Casanova and Giuseppe Garibaldi. Some of the cells still have original graffiti left by the prisoners, etched into the walls. You'll also be able to explore the torture chambers, see formerly used torture devices, and learn about the storied Council of Ten who once controlled Venice's justice system.
You'll also get to walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs, the only roofed bridge in Venice that connects the Doge's Palace to the Prisons on the other side of the canal. The Bridge of Sighs gets its name from the sadness prisoners felt as they got their last glimpse of freedom out the windows before being taken away to prison.
Since the Prisons Palace is usually an add-on to the Doge's Palace, you'll also get to check off the latter's main attractions: the grand chambers (one of which is over 53 meters long, making it one of the largest rooms in Europe), the ceremonial halls and the amazing Venetian artwork throughout.
Where is the Prisons Palace located in Venice?
The Prisons Palace is located next to the Doge's Palace and is connected by the Bridge of Sighs.
You can easily walk to the Doge's Palace from most districts. If you're staying a little further, take a water bus to San Marco-San Zaccaria stop, which is a few minutes away via the Ponte della Paglia.
What are the opening times?
The Prisons Palace is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day of the week.
Is the Prisons Palace accessible to wheelchair users?
The Doge's Palace's main attractions are wheelchair-friendly, with the exception of some staircases to reach the upper floors. There is a special accessible entrance and an elevator to get up to the upper floor.
Unfortunately, the route from the Doge's Palace to the prison, as well as the Bridge of Sighs, has steps and narrow passageways, which makes it difficult for wheelchair users.
When is the best time to go on a tour of the Prisons Palace?
The best time to visit Prisons Palace is in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and the city is not as crowded as in the high summer season.
Which other attractions can be visited in Venice?
Travel tips
- The prisons can be quite damp and cool, even in the summer, so dressing in layers is a good idea.
- Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended as you'll be on your feet for most of your visit.
- Be sure to explore all parts of the prisons. There are numerous inscriptions left by the prisoners on the walls, which provide a fascinating insight into the history of the place.