Doge’s Palace: Prisons & Secret Itineraries Tour

The Doges of Venice ruled over the Republic of Venice for over four centuries from the magnificent Doge’s Palace. Built in 1340, the palace complex designed in traditional Gothic architecture witnessed the highs and lows of Venetian history. This tour explores the secrets of the Doge’s Palace and its stories of wealth and injustice.

Celebrated artists of the Renaissance have left their legacy at the Doge’s Palace including greats like Titian, Gentile da Fabriano, Pisanello, Giovanni Bellini, Alvise Vivarini and Pordenone. The ones that are certain to capture your imagination are the ‘Virtues of the Republic’ by Veronese in the Council Room and ‘The Triumph of Venice’ by Tintoretto on the Senate Hall ceiling. Yet, the beautiful murals, paintings, and decadent interiors tell only one side of the story!

Your guide will take you to the attic to see for yourself Casanova’s cell. The world’s most famous lover, Casanova, plotted his escape from the dark prison of the palace. Your guide will reveal to you the secrets of his feat of hoodwinking the palace security and escaping the prison.

But not all prisoners were as lucky! You can imagine hearing the sighs of the prisoners who would walk the length of the Bridge of sighs to the 16th century New Prisons. The brilliant vantage point, which overlooks the beautiful panorama of Venice, would naturally have drawn sighs of regret all those centuries ago!

Your guide will take you through the secret wing beginning at the Chambers of Secret Chancellery where ancient documents were stored. You will also follow a prisoner’s journey from the Chamber of Inquisitors, Chamber of the Three Head Magistrates and finally the Torture Chambers. If the prisoner was lucky the torture would stop within three days and then he would be taken to his cell.

Your tour ends at the Doge’s Palace and as you step out on the sunny streets of Venice, you will look upon the Doge’s Palace with a new perspective.

Sights visited on the tour

• Chamber of the Secret Chancellery
• Torture Chamber
• Casanova’s Cell
• Chamber of the Inquisitors
• Chamber of the Three Head Magistrates

Non-Guided - (Visit on your own time)

• Chamber of the Great Council
• The Chamber of the Scrutinio
• The Compass Room
• The Chamber of the Council of Ten
• Senate Chamber
• The Council Chamber
• Bridge of Sighs