The effect is nothing short of enchanting and is enhanced by a cornice of merlons and spires that seem to make the palace waft airily into the sky. They achieved that visual balance by creating a remarkably light-looking upper story, its surface made to appear almost lacy with patterns of pink Verona marble, pierced by graceful arching windows.

The distinctive look of this masterpiece of Gothic architecture stems from the way its designers managed to suspend the enormous solid bulk of the palace upon a double arcade of slender, almost delicate Istrian marble columns. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. See also: Where to Stay near the Doge's Palace You'll be sure of seeing all the highlights with this visitor's guide to exploring the Doge's Palace. The artworks, iconic beauty, and interesting history of the Doge's Palace make it one of Venice's major attractions for tourists.

Although the palace is now a museum, unlike most museums, these paintings were created especially to decorate the Doge's Palace, not added later. The one you see today was built mainly in the 14th century, and the façade overlooking the Piazzetta dates from the first half of the 15th century.

The palace for the first of these powerful leaders was a wretched, gloomy wooden fortress with massive defensive towers, and after several fires, the castle was converted into a Byzantine-style palace. One of Europe's most beautiful and easily recognizable buildings, the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) was not only the center of government during the Venetian Republic but also the residence of the Doge. We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

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