Doge's Palace, or also known as Palazzo Ducale, is one of the enormous tourist locations in Venice, Italy. This mansion constructed was to house the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic. In 1340, it was founded and built in the Venetian Gothic style. Over the years, it has been modified and added too. Currently, it stands as a museum run by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.
Not only is the architecture outstanding, but this manor is also home to many wonderful well-known art masterpieces and the infamous Bridge of Sighs. If you do not know what either of those is, do not worry! That is what this article is known!
The first thing to keep in mind when visiting the Doge's Palace is, ALWAYS get a guided tour! That allows you to skip the enormous line out front! If you try to go on an average day by yourself, you will be waiting in line all day. Jump on that guided tour train and ride it all the way through. I know guided tours can sometimes be frustrating, but in my opinion, it is worth it to skip the line. Also, if you did not study art, this is a great way to learn about the individual artwork pieces within the walls of the manor.
Once inside, here are artworks to look out for:
The Golden Staircase: also known as the Scala d'oro, this staircase led to the Doge's apartment on the third floor of the palace. With construction starting halfway through the 16th century, the stairway received its name due to the spectacular golden stucco that decorates the vault that was in use for Magistrates and significant officials. The apartment has no furnishes today due to some that were stolen by Napoleon's army. Even with no furnishings, it still contains masterpieces painted on the ceiling and magnificent fireplaces.
Religio and Fides (Religion and Faith): The central painting on the ceiling of the Sala del Collegio, accompanied with Neptune and Mars, and Justitia and Pax, this painting symbolizes the form of the Republic of Venice's claim to political power. Its specific meaning is to remind the Council of specific obligations they have made when it comes to faith.
The Armory: While at the Doge's Palace, the guided tour brings you through multiple rooms known as the armory. The armory contains a magnificent collection of mixed weapons such as swords, armor, crossbows, axes, and guns. The objects that attracted the most attention were a large sword, used for public executions, and a chastity belt. The chastity belt was used to protect women from oncoming enemies at the gates. The belt prevented them from being violated during an attack.
Paradise: This masterpiece by Tintoretto is the most significant piece to recognize when on a tour of the Doge's Palace. This piece resides in the Great Council room. This artwork is much more impressive in person than in photographs. Currently, it is one of the most unique and largest oil paintings on canvas ever realized. Due to fires in 1574 and 1577 this caused to have a whole renovation of the decoration. Tintoretto painted multiple large ceiling panels, which emphasized Venice's military achievements and government. The final piece, Paradise, was constructed, with seething crowds of saints and angels suggesting the last judgment. This reminded council members of the gravity and significance of their actions.
Bridge of Sighs: One of the last areas of the tour is the infamous walking across the Bridge of Sighs. This view was the last view many convicts saw before they were imprisoned, for the rest of their lifetime. It is known that many convicts would have their final view of Venice through the window on the bridge before taken to their cells. It is said that many prisoners were known to sigh at the sight of freedom that was seen throughout the window as they walked to their imprisonment.
There is much more beautiful artwork within the Doge's Palace, but these are the five contributions to look for. So much has contributed to Italian history, but the Doge's Palace holds some of the more common knowledge artifacts. I recommend taking a guided tour to learn what resides in the Doge's Palace, but also it is a way to skip the enormous line out front.
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