RELAXED DOGES’ PALACE
RELAXED DOGES’ PALACE
Best timing to skip large groups inside the Doges’ Palace is the afternoon, around 3.30 or 4.00 pm.
The light will be perfect to photograph the splendid inner courtyard, with its variety of Gothic and Renaissance columns and arches. And for a memorable picture with Neptune and Mars, the colossal statues by Jacopo Sansovino also known as Giants. Your guide will lecture you about the Venetian State policy and its use of symbols and mythology.
Inside the Palace, center of the political and juridical life of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, we are welcomed by the Golden Staircase (Scala d’ Oro, which continues the ceremonial entrance, leading to the Doge’s personal apartment, now frequently used for temporary art exhibits, and then to the main assembly halls: Collegio, Senato, Council of Ten, Major Council and more. If we are tired, we will use the elevator!
The impression of magnificence and illimited wealth conveyed by the ubiquitous presence of gold on the decorations of ceilings and walls, the amount and quality of sumptuous paintings by some of the big names of the Renaissance, such as Titian, Veronese, Tintoretto will keep your mouth open most of the time. Two of the most celebrated architects of the Renaissance,
Andrea Palladio and Jacopo Sansovino contributed to the monumentality of the interiors, that were forcibly renovated after the fires in 1574 and 1577. The magnificent and enormous Maggior Consiglio, where all the noblemen met once a week, epitomizes the power and glory of Venice through the centuries.
However, it was not without difficulties and great dangers that the Most Serene Republic was able to
expand and conquer a Sea and a Land Empire and, above all, to create a powerful commercial net, connecting central Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean. The apogee was reached between the 13th and the 15th centuries; by the beginning of the 16th century Venice initiated a long period of slow decadence.
Learning about the rules, habits and methods employed by the Venetian State to maintain justice, peace and order will be one of the major interests of this tour. To follow, a brief visit to the New Prisons, across the famed Bridge of Sighs, will be the occasion to give you some hints about the prisoners’ life conditions.
Once we finish with our Relaxed Doges’ Palace, St Mark’s Square will be quieter, more intimate and cocooning. This is a perfect timing for a picture of St Mark’s Basilica, illuminated by the sunrays, and for a leisurely break at the Gran Café’ Quadri. The Quadri, one of the historical coffee shops of the Piazza, was established in 1775 by Giorgio Quadri, who decided to sell ‘black boiling water’ for the first time in Venice. It was a great success.
You will be told more about the history of coffee while sitting outside in the square or inside. We shall listen to the exceptional orchestra rivalling with its ‘twin’ at Café’ Florian, on the opposite side of the Square. The two coffee shops played an important role during the Austrian dominion in the 19th century.
Nowadays the Gran Café’ can also boast a starred restaurant – just a few tables up on the 2nd floor with unforgettable views. Carefully restored by Philippe Starck and directed by Max Alajmo, it will be an ideal spot where to continue your Venetian evening. We recommend it for very special romantic celebrations!
HIGHLIGHTS
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- Laid back visit to the Doges’ Palace
- Architectural-historical overview of St Mark’s Square
- Coffee with pastries at Cafe’ Quadri.
DRESS CODE AND ADVICE
- No dress code. The cafes in St Mark’s Sqaure are pretty elegant. you might like to war something nice.
COST
- This tour lasts two and a half hours and costs 230 euros up to six people (not per person), only private parties. For larger parties send us an email!
- The above cost does NOT include entrance fees and tastings.
- Admission fees at Doge’s Palace: 26 euros (full rate) – 14 euros (reduced rate)
- Coffee and pastries 35 euros per person
CONTACT US
WALKS INSIDE ITALY
ART CITY WALKS aff. Network Giv
San Polo 1541 30125 VENICE, ITALY
C.F. e P. Iva 04331170276
Prot. 2016/16140 del 25-2-2016
Polizza Europ Assistance 8957877