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
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 250 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: 31 euros (full rate) – 16 euros (reduced rate)
- Coffee and pastries 35 euros per person