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Piombi Prisons

Piombi Prisons: Our most recommended tours and activities

Venice: Doge's Palace Reserved Entry Ticket

1. 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.

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

2. 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.

Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace & Doge’s Palace

3. Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace & Doge’s Palace

Combine the top two sights in Venice on one extraordinary tour led by a local guide. With pre-reserved tickets and skip-the-line access, head straight into St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace for a guided experience. Select the 8 AM tour to enjoy exclusive early entry to the Doge's Palace and have the door opened exclusively for your group an hour before the general public arrives. First, step inside Venice's most important church—St. Mark's Basilica—and gain a full appreciation for its east-meets-west architecture and breathtaking gold mosaics. In the company of a local guide, get up close with some of the basilica’s greatest treasures, such as the millennia-old Quadriga of four gold horses. Have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. At every step of the way, you’ll hear the fascinating story of how most of the basilica's prized possessions ended up here by less-than-honest means. The second stop on your itinerary is no less beautiful. The Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, was home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. Skip the long line with pre-reserved tickets and walk straight inside to explore huge council chambers, incredible audience rooms, and a stunning ballroom with larger-than-life works by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. Hear the intriguing history of this building that housed the world's oldest republic—as well as its fascinating government and even an incarcerated Casanova. To finish your morning of discovery, walk in the footsteps of many a less-fortunate Venetian from centuries past. Head over the Bridge of Sighs from the inside and into the grim New Prisons—a stark yet fascinating contrast to the opulent halls and galleries that lie within the palace just across the narrow canal.

Venice: Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs & Royal Palace Tour

4. Venice: Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs & Royal Palace 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.

Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Skip-The-Line Tickets

5. Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Skip-The-Line Tickets

Join a local guide on a tour of Venice's top attraction with convenient pre-reserved tickets. Benefit from priority access, saving you precious hours waiting in line. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories and rich history behind the city's major highlights. Begin your journey at the iconic St. Mark's Square, where your guide will reveal the historical, social, and political significance of this renowned public space. Admire the stunning Clock Tower and Marble Lions that are integral to St. Mark's storied past. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the lavish Doge's Palace, with pre-reserved tickets that grant instant access to the political heart of the former Empire, bypassing long queues. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture of the palace and discover the supreme authority and wealth of the ruling Venetian Doges, along with the skilled 14th-century sculptors who worked on the palace. Explore the Old Prison, a section of the Doge's Palace, and learn about the poignant Bridge of Sighs, a notable landmark in Venice's history. Hear the captivating tale of the infamous Casanova and his life in Venice, gaining enough knowledge to continue exploring the city on your own. Extend your stay at the Palace after your tour finishes, and take advantage of the tour's included tickets to the Correr Museum on St. Mark's Square, a stunning residence designed for Napoleon. Explore the museum at your leisure after the tour ends, with tickets valid for the entire day.

Venice: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tour

6. Venice: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tour

See the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, two of the most iconic sites in Venice, on a guided tour. For centuries, the destiny of the Most Serene Republic was decided in the majestic halls of the Doge’s Palace. Walk through the magnificent halls and marvel at the well-conserved priceless treasures, art masterpieces, and frescos. Visit the prison, passing over the celebrated Bridge of Sighs, so called because prisoners often sighed while looking at their beloved lagoon and freedom for the last time before reaching their cells. Among the famous guests of the Doge’s Palace prisons was Giacomo Casanova, the celebrated seducer and adventurer who managed to escape from the prison in 1756. Next, head to St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the world’s most stunning churches. As the name suggests, this cathedral is bound tightly to Venice’s patron, St. Mark, and the saint's remains are in fact here. Admire the breathtaking golden mosaics covering the high walls, and see the Pala d’Oro, an altarpiece made from hundreds of pieces of enamel on a golden leaf.

Venice: City Pass with Museums, Churches & Public Transport

7. Venice: City Pass with Museums, Churches & Public Transport

Make your trip to Venice more comfortable with the Venice City Pass. Gain access to all of the city's prominent churches, museums, monuments, and more. Choose from multiple-day passes, with the option to add public transportation tickets. Visit the Byzantine monuments of St. Mark's Square and venture inside the former palace of the dukes, Doge's Palace. Get access to all 16 churches of the Chorus Circuit such as Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio, Chiesa di Santo Stefano, and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Make your way to the Museo Correr, Archaeological Museum, Biblioteca Marciana, Ca' Rezzonico, Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, Glass Museum on Murano Island, Natural History Museum, Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo, Carlo Goldoni's House, Lace Museum on Burano Island, and Museo Fortuny. List of museums:Doge's PalaceMuseo CorrerArchaeological MuseumBiblioteca MarcianaCa' RezzonicoCa' PesaroNatural History MuseumMocenigo PalaceCarlo Goldoni HouseLace Museum on Burano IslandGlass Museum on Murano IslandMuseo Fortuny The 16 Churches of the Chorus Circuit include: Santa Maria del GiglioSan StaeSanto StefanoSant'AlviseSanta Maria FormosSan Pietro di CastelloSanta Maria dei MiracoliSantissimo RedentoreS.Giovanni ElemosinarioSanta Maria del Rosario (Gesuati)San PoloSan SebastianoSan Giacomo dall'OrioSan GiobbeSanta Maria del Carmelo (Carmini)S.Giovanni Battista in Bragora

Venice: Early Entrance Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica

8. Venice: Early Entrance Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica

Step inside the Doge's Palace before it opens to the public and skip the lines at the stunning St. Mark's Basilica. Embark on a guided tour of these Venetian landmarks before soaking up the panoramic views of Venice from the Basilica's terrace. Begin your guided tour with an early visit to the Doge's Palace. Wander through this immense building without the usual crowds and marvel at the Giants' Staircase and paintings by Paolo Veronese. Watch how the morning light changes inside this elegant marble-and-gold palace. Make your way onto the Bridge of Sighs. Walk in the footsteps of historic prisoners being marched to their fate and hear about the anguish and torment that gave the bridge its poetic name. Continue to St. Mark's Basilica and marvel at its intricate exterior, which has evolved over the centuries. Feel the ambiance at the stunning Piazza San Marco before bypassing the long lines to the Basilica with your fast-pass tickets. Once inside, gaze up at the spectacular complex of gold-covered domes and arches towering overhead. Glance down at the intricate 11th-century flooring with its geometric animal motifs and learn about the basilica's history as a symbol of Venice. Finally, climb the stairs to the terrace and be greeted with breathtaking views across Venice. Finish your tour by admiring iconic city landmarks from above, such as Piazza San Marco, the island of San Giorgio, the Campanile, and the Clock Tower.

Venice Day Tour: Doge's Palace, Basilica, and Gondola Ride

9. Venice Day Tour: Doge's Palace, Basilica, and Gondola Ride

Make the most of your time in Venice with this combination tour that offers a guided tour of Doge's Palace, Saint Mark's Basilica and terrace, St. Mark’s Museum with skip-the-line entry tickets, as well as a 30-minute gondola ride along the charming waterways of the city. Enjoy a guided tour of Doge’s Palace to discover its splendid rooms and countless masterpieces. Explore the halls of power where the Doge ruled the ancient Republic of Venice. Next head to Saint Mark’s Basilica, also known as the Golden Basilica because of its magnificent mosaics adorned with pure gold. Learn the history and meaning of the many artworks decorating the church. Admire the treasury, a magnificent centuries-old collection of relics and precious items. Visit the Basilica's terrace with a copy of the famous horses, the quadriga of St. Mark. From this spectacular location admire the most beautiful view of the heart of Venice: St Mark’s Square. Discover St. Mark’s Museum and admire objects of various kinds and origins belonging to the Basilica. Later in the afternoon, take a romantic gondola ride along the charming waterways of Venice. Paddle along to the impressive Grand Canal. See the houses of Mozart and Desdemona, La Fenice Theatre, Rio de le Ostreghe, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Palace, a breathtaking overview of Saint Mark’s basin, and more. Your tour also includes a bonus app, featuring a digital map and audio guide. Use the app to explore the city at your own pace, and listen to fascinating narration as you admire 200 of the city's attractions including La Fenice Theater, Rialto Bridge, and more.

Venice: St. Mark's City Pass with Doge's Palace Entry

10. Venice: St. Mark's City Pass with Doge's Palace Entry

Book the St. Mark's City Pass for your trip to Venice and get entry to Doge's Palace, the 3 museums on St. Mark's Square, 3 churches on the Chorus Circuit, and the Querini Stampalia Foundation. Make the most out of your time in the city by selecting one of the options that include public transport. Start exploring at St. Mark's Square, where your pass affords you free entry to Doge's Palace. Then, head to the other museums located on the square, with free entry to the Correr Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana. Your pass also includes entry to the Querini Stampalia Foundation and 3 historic churches on the Chorus Circuit, the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio, the Church of Santo Stefano, and the Church of Santa Maria Formosa. Choose an option that includes transportation, and benefit from the use of all public transport services in the city of Venice, including vaporetto and buses, trams, and the People Mover. 

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Other Sightseeing Options in Piombi Prisons

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What people are saying about Piombi Prisons

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 13,062 reviews

The process was simple and there was clear indication where to find our guide, obtain our tickets and headsets. Elena was our guide, she was wonderful! So knowledgeable, thorough and answered all of our random questions. We were able to skip any lines and see extra behind the scenes places that weren’t included in a general basilica ticket. We feel it was a great value for what we got. Absolutely recommend!

Great experience, my guide Francesca was very informative and helpful and you could tell she had a real appreciation and love for the city and the things she was showing us, very worth it

I would highly recommend buying queue jump tickets as there were long queues when we visited in January. The palace has breathtaking interior decoration and will amaze you!

Must do! Our guide was fantastic. She made the tour fun and easy to understand !

Elena our tour guide was exceptional . We are so happy we chose this activity