Doge's Palace, Venice, Italy

It is likely that the original Palazzo Ducale, from the 10th century, was an agglomeration of different buildings. In the 10th century, this structure was partially destroyed by fire and Doge Sebastiano Ziani took the opportunity to radically change the layout of Piazza S. Marco and a new palace was built, presumably with Byzantine-Venetian features. Unfortunately very few traces of this period remain. 
The structure seen today is the result of reconstruction and extension of  that palace, which begun in 1340.  Renovation and reconstruction continued well into the 15th and 16th centuries, also to address the destruction caused by two violent fires, in 1483 and 1574.
In the 17th century, the construction of new prisons was ordered, linked to the palace by the imaginatively designated Bridge of Sighs. The palace was the Doge's residence and housed political and administrative institutions until the Napoleonic occupation of the city in 1797 when its role inevitably changed.
By the end of the 19th century, the palace showed clear signs of decay and the Italian government set aside significant funds to recover it. The palace has been a museum since 1923.

Opening hours: 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5.30 p.m. Nov.- Mar.)

Tickets: €19 (combined with Museo Correr, Museu Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana)







Local: San Marco, 30100 Veneza, Itália

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