Doge’s Palace

Another stop on your next trip to Venice must be the Doge’s Palace, a famous landmark and the oldest building overlooking St. Mark’s Square.

A splendid example of Gothic architecture, the role of the Doge’s Palace has changed many times over the centuries: initially the seat of the government and the ducal residence during the “Serenissima” Republic of Venice, under French and subsequently Austrian rule it was occupied by administrative offices and then housed the Marciana Library, and finally, since 1996 it has been a splendid museum that is truly worth visiting.

Last but not least, the Bridge of Sighs, an iconic photo spot, is part of the Doge’s Palace. However, do not be deceived by its romantic name: in fact, the famous sighs have nothing to do with lovers, rather convicts’ last view of Venice while being taken from the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace to the prisons!