Doge's Palace Culture & history

Our most recommended Doge's Palace Culture & history

Venice: Doge's Palace Reserved Entry Ticket

Venice: Doge's Palace Reserved Entry Ticket

Skip the ticket line to Doge's Palace in Venice, a historic landmark that served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries, with this reserved entry ticket. Admire its Gothic architecture. Also get entry to the Museo Correr, National Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library. Enter the Doge's Palace to explore the seat of a 1000-year republic and travel back in time to the Middle Ages. Relive the anguish of the prisoners as they crossed the Bridge of Sighs. Admire the palace's impressive structure and ornamentation, from its 14th and 15th-century original foundations to the significant Renaissance and opulent Mannerist adjunctions. Marvel at the rich details of the magnificent gold staircase and spectacular works of art. Also, enjoy entry to the Museo Correr on St. Mark's Square, a building that was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy.

Venice: Skip-the-line St. Mark's Basilica Entry & Audioguide

Venice: Skip-the-line St. Mark's Basilica Entry & Audioguide

Explore St. Mark's Basilica effortlessly with skip-the-line tickets and audio guides in multiple languages. Standard Ticket Experience Enjoy seamless access to St. Mark's Basilica through the Porta San Pietro, where you’ll marvel at its exquisite golden mosaics and intricate Byzantine craftsmanship. The standard ticket offers a self-guided journey through the basilica’s awe-inspiring interiors, perfect for admiring its architectural and historical splendor. Please note: the Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli are not included in this ticket. Terrace Ticket Experience Upgrade your visit to include access to the St. Mark's Basilica Museum, the Loggia dei Cavalli, and the terrace. This enhanced option allows you to admire the stunning mosaics while enjoying sweeping panoramic views of Venice’s skyline and canals from the terrace. The Terrace Ticket provides an elevated experience, blending art, history, and unforgettable vistas. Guided Tour Experience Enhance your visit with a guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica, including access to the Museum, Loggia dei Cavalli, and the terrace. Skip the lines and follow an expert guide as they reveal the stories behind the basilica’s golden mosaics, intricate Byzantine and Gothic architecture, and centuries of history. Ascend to the terrace for breathtaking views of Venice’s skyline and canals, and explore the Museum to uncover treasures that showcase the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. This guided experience combines rich storytelling with stunning sights for an unforgettable St. Mark’s Basilica journey.

Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access Tour

Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access Tour

Delve deep into Venice’s history with a 3-hour guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge's Palace, either as a private tour or shared group experience. Take in two of the city’s most important landmarks while discovering the history of the one-time mercantile capital of the Mediterranean.  Start by exploring St. Mark's Square with your guide before heading into the cathedral. From the first-floor terrace you’ll be able to admire views across the lagoon and see the famous bronze horses up close. Hear how they traveled all the way to Paris and back in Napoleon’s time. St. Mark's Basilica sometimes closes to visitors without warning. If this happens, visit the Church of San Zaccaria or the Correr Museum instead, depending on availability. Take a tour of the beautifully ornate 15th-century church and its flooded crypt or learn about the art and history of Venice. Next, you’ll use the priority entrance to reach Doge's Palace, formerly the residence of the leader of the Republic of Venice. Enjoy visiting the Chamber of the Great Council and courtrooms among other things. Highlights include frescoes by Tintoretto and the Giants’ Staircase.  After this, cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs that links to the New Prisons. Learn how the bridge got its name and the purpose for its construction in the 17th century as you take in the amazing views of the canals. At the end of your tour, feel free to stay and explore the Doge’s Palace with tips from your guide.

Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Tickets + Tour Options

Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Tickets + Tour Options

Explore Venice Your Way: Guided, Self-Guided, or a Bit of Both! Venice is a city that feels like a dream, and there’s no wrong way to experience it. Whether you love the energy of a guided tour, prefer the freedom of a self-guided adventure, or want a mix of both and have enough time to capture stunning photos on the terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica, we’ve got an option that fits your style. Guided Tour: Skip the Lines & Dive into History Want to explore Venice without the hassle? Join a friendly guide who’ll bring the city’s fascinating past to life—no dry history lessons here! Skip the long lines and step right into the grandeur of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Walk through rooms where rulers once made big decisions, admire breathtaking golden mosaics, and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, imagining what it was like centuries ago. Guided Tour + Terrace Access: The Best Views in Town If you’re up for something extra, this option gives you exclusive access to St. Mark’s Basilica’s terrace. After the guided tour, take your time climbing up to this hidden gem, where you’ll get stunning panoramic views of Venice’s rooftops and the bustling Piazza San Marco. It’s the perfect way to soak in the magic of the city from above—and take those stunning photos! Audioguide Tour: Go at Your Own Pace Not a fan of big groups? No problem! With this option, you can skip the lines and explore Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica at your own speed. Just grab a multilingual audioguide (available in English, French, German, and Italian) and wander through centuries of history, taking in the sights on your own terms. All tours start at Piazzetta San Marco, so you’re right where the action is from the beginning. Whichever way you choose to explore, one thing’s for sure—you’re about to make some unforgettable memories in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip

Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip

Depart from the railway station on Piazzale Roma and journey to Murano, famous for its glass-blowing industry. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the still-thriving tradition has been passed down over generations and each glass blower has developed their own personal style. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration and learn to recognize the difference between the various artisans and brands during your stay on the island. Then, continue to the island of Burano, known for its crochet work and brightly colored houses. Get picture-perfect views of the landmarks of Burano, such as the leaning bell tower and the main square of Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, named after a major 18th-century Venetian composer. Look in some of the lace shops during your visit to the island. Then, conclude your travels at the starting point of your tour.

Venice: Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs & Prisons Guided Tour

Venice: Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs & Prisons Guided Tour

Visit Doge's Palace with an expert guide and tour its extraordinary rooms. Together with your expert guide, you will be escorted inside the palace where you can admire artistic masterpieces created by the most famous painters and sculptors of that time. Tiepolo and Tiziano make up only a few of the many artists that decorated this palace. Be stunned in front of the golden staircases, the entrance of the rooms of the Doges, and the halls of power from where you can see the “Last Judgment” by Tintoretto, one of the greatest and largest paintings in the world. Visit the Old Royal Palace in St. Marks Square. Here you will discover the Venice lifestyle in the past; the rooms of Sissi (Empress of Austria) and the archaeological museum. (if option is selected) Continue your journey with an exciting 3D virtual reality experience at the History Gallery of Venice. With the VR headset on, time peels away, revealing Piazza San Marco and its iconic monuments as they once were. Picture the Basilica transformed into the Doge's private chapel and the Doge's Palace into a medieval fortress! Upgrade your experience by selecting an option that includes a gondola ride.

Venice: St Mark's Basilica, Doge Palace, & Bell Tower Option

Venice: St Mark's Basilica, Doge Palace, & Bell Tower Option

Enjoy the best of Venice on a small group guided tour and visit three of the city's most iconic monuments, the St. Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Doge's Palace. Skip the long lines outside with our skip-the-line tickets to save precious time. Discover the imposing Doge's Palace with its splendid rooms and hundreds of masterpieces. Here, the Doge and his Council controlled the fate of a thousand-year history Republic. Live it together with a guide that shows you the halls of power, plunging you into a very particular historical context: the European Middle Ages and the immediately following centuries. Then, cross the world-famous Bridge of Sighs and visit the humid and dark Piombi Prisons. Its name comes from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells. Your expert local guide will unveil the main hall and the shining golden naves of St. Mark's Basilica. Learn about the history of the artworks decorating the church, and if included in the visit option you chose, reach the Basilica museum. Admire the breathtaking view of St. Mark's Square, the heart of Venice, from the Basilica's terrace. (if option is selected) Continue your journey with an exciting virtual reality experience at the Venice History Gallery. With the VR headset on, time peels away, revealing Piazza San Marco and its iconic monuments as they once were. Picture the Basilica transformed into the Doge's private chapel and the Doge's Palace into a medieval fortress! If you choose the option, after visiting the Doge's Palace and Basilica, you can take the elevator up St. Mark's Campanile, the highest point in the city, offering breathtaking views over Venice, the Grand Canal, the islands, and the lagoon. You'll receive our exclusive virtual assistant, Marco Polo, with an audio guide and digital map of Venice to download on your phone, always at your fingertips. This AI-powered guide, trained with local Venice insights, will assist you throughout your stay, helping you explore the city like a true Venetian.

Venice: St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Ticket

Venice: St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Ticket

Discover the essence of Venice on an intimate guided tour, exploring two of the city's most iconic sites: the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge's Palace. With skip-the-line tickets included, you'll bypass the queues and immerse yourself in the grandeur of these Venetian marvels under the expert guidance of your knowledgeable host. Begin your journey at St. Mark's Square, where you'll be captivated by the historic Clock Tower and the majestic Marble Lions. Delve into Venice's rich history as your guide shares fascinating tales of the city's past. Then, step inside the renowned Basilica of St. Mark with exclusive access, marveling at its shimmering golden mosaics and lavish décor while uncovering its significance as a symbol of Venetian prestige and prosperity. Continue exploring the magnificent Doge's Palace, a splendid example of Gothic architecture and once the seat of Venetian governance. Gain insight into the lives of the Venetian Doges and the masterful craftsmen behind the palace's intricate design. As you wander through this architectural gem, soak in panoramic views of the lagoon and hear captivating stories, including the legendary exploits of Casanova and the poignant tale of the Bridge of Sighs and the adjoining Old and New Prisons. After the tour, extend your Venetian odyssey with complimentary access to the Correr Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana, where you can further immerse yourself in Venice's rich heritage and culture.

St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Priority Entry Ticket

St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Priority Entry Ticket

Discover the wonders of Venice with this exclusive priority ticket to two of the city's most iconic attractions: St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Skip the long lines and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of these extraordinary sites with a unique and unforgettable visit. Choose one of the guided tour options to explore the sights with a knowledgeable guide. Discover Saint Mark's Basilica, Saint Mark's Museum, the Terrace, Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the prisons. Alternatively, choose the option without a guide to explore at your own pace. Listen to a detailed audio guide. Discover the secrets, stories, and artistic details of the Basilica directly through your headphones, following your own pace. Receive a detailed printed guide that will accompany you through the unique streets of Venice, telling you the history of the Doges, the artworks, and the intriguing political events that shaped Venice. Bypass the queues and enter directly into one of Venice's most sacred and historically significant places. Admire the golden mosaics, Byzantine architecture, and the wealth of artworks that adorn this millennial basilica. Enjoy an in-depth visit with an audio guide, available in various languages. After the Basilica, head to the nearby Doge's Palace, a symbol of the power and glory of the Venetian Republic. With your priority ticket, enter quickly and start your exploration.

Venice: Rialto Bridge & Offbeat Unusual Venice Walking Tour

Venice: Rialto Bridge & Offbeat Unusual Venice Walking Tour

Get off the beaten path in Venice, away from the crowds. With a guide, explore the lesser-known areas of the San Marco and Rialto districts and discover the fascinating history behind them. Embark on an enchanting walking tour through the heart of Venice, where the seamless blend of history and architecture creates an unforgettable journey. Begin your adventure by wandering past some of Venice’s most iconic landmarks without stopping, soaking in the city's majestic aura. You'll marvel at the spiraled elegance of the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Casanova's legendary House, La Fenice Theatre's extraordinary Opera House and much more. Continue your experience with an optional gondola ride discovering Venice from a unique angle: glide under romantic bridges into the charming waterways. A dream journey awaits!

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What people are saying about Doge's Palace

Overall rating

4.4
(9,075 reviews)

Our guide Carolina was fantastic - so knowledgable and informative and really helped us get the very best from this tour! It is a long tour so we did get tired towards the end (our fault as we were up at 4am for our flight that day!) but I would recommend this to someone who wants to learn about the history/culture/etc. Really enjoyed this tour!

Well paced, informative and comprehensive tour. Our guide Roberta was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly with a good sense of humour.

Well paced informative and comprehensive tour. The guide Roberta was enthusiastic and friendly.

Our guide was Carolina. She was amazing. Very well known the history.

Our guide, Guilla was perfect, we had a magical time. Thanks to her!