Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), Venice

Palazzo Ducale Venice. The once official residence of the Doge of Venice the Palazzo Ducale Venizia was the hub of the Republic of Venice. The original palace was actually around the area where the Rialto Bridge is situated but moved to its present site after many fires that occurred in and around the wooden buildings and palaces of Venice. That is not to say that the Palace has remained untouched by troubles. Built in the 15thCentury it too has had several very big fires causing much devastation but fortunately the building has been reconstructed several times. The original palace was more ... more

The Doges Palace is one of the most recognisable buildings in Venice. This magnificent building made of limestone and pink marble was built in the 1400s as the home for the Venetian Government led by the Doge. The area had been run by the power of the Doge since the 9th century but this building was the final home for the government until the last official Doge was in power in the 1700s. We visited in the height of the season so we arrived at 9.00 when the Palace first opened to avoid the worst of the crowds. Tourists no longer enter through the original entrance; we have to use the entrance ... more

- Doge's Palace - If you land in Venice from the sea, as did those who came inland by ship, the first thing you see rising out of the water is the unmistakable shape of the Doge's Palace - the city's most famous building built to show the citys wealth and the Doges power WHAT IS IT?? For centuries the Doge's Palace had three fundamental roles: as the Doge residence, the seat of government and as the palace of justice. This was where some of the most important decisions for Venice's, and even Europe's destiny were taken. THE DOGE The system of elected doges was as singular as everything else ... more

I found the Doges Palace to be an exceptional experience and I definitely recommend a visit to everyone who is visiting Venice. It is incredibly easy to find, to the side of the main St. Marks Square, next to The Basilica. Included in the price of a ticket is entrance into the museum, where some of the original pillars can be found on display, each room in the museum features numerous guide sheets in different languages so you can learn about the history behind the pillars. Once you leave the museum, you find yourself in the main courtyard. The architecture is stunning. I spent a good while ... more