The Doge's Palace
Since 1923 it’ s a museum open to the public. In the IX century the palace was built as a fortress, cause of the many fire during the centuries the palace vas rebuilt several times, the actual gothic style building was erected on the XIV – XV century.
The main entrance of the palace is the “Frumento” (wheat) door, the access is on the inner courtyard to the majestic “Scala dei Giganti” (the Giants’ Stair). The stair was the Honour access, it is surmounted with the statue of Mars and Neptune (by Jacopo Sansovino) to represent the power of the republic over the lands and seas.
The visit of the inner side start from the Scala D’ oro (the golden stair) by Jacopo Sansovino, enriched and embellished with extraordinary golden stuccos. From the Doge’s private apartment there is the access to the most famous and majestic hall of the palace the “ la sala del Maggior Consiglio” (the Major Council hall) the hall is 53 meters long and 25 wide is one of the biggest in Europe, there it is also the biggest painting on canvas of the world “ il Paradiso” (the Heaven) by Jacopo and Domenico Tintoretto.
To be mentioned also the Armoury halls with a great collection of 2000 weapons.
Not to be missed the “Secrets Tour”. A guided visit of rooms and secret passages of the Palace that lead to the prisons and the torture chamber (the tour has to be booked).
