Palazzo Ducale 

Map. 

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My guide to the Doge's Palace is available on Kindle. ​

The nominal ruler of Venice was known as the Doge and the Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, was both his official residence and the seat of government. 

​A palace has stood on this site since the 10th century, but the building we see today only dates back to 1340 when work began on the wing facing the lagoon. The four large windows, running left to right, belong to the Great Council Chamber. On July 30th 1419, Doge Michele Steno held the first meeting of the Maggior Consiglio in the new chamber. 

In 1424, when Francesco Foscari was doge, work began on the building of the west wing of the Palazzo Ducale. The upper storeys of both wings are faced with lozenges of white Istrian stone and pink Verona marble, which together create a delicate filigree pattern. 

The historiated capitals of the 36 squat columns, at the base of the palace, were carved in the 14th and 15th centuries. The carvings have been described as 'an encyclopaedia in stone.' However, a number of the capitals were replaced by (very good) copies at the end of the 19th century. 

There is a beautiful depiction of the Judgement of Solomon, on the north-west corner of the palace, which has been attributed to Bartolomeo Bon (active 1421-64). 

The main entrance to the Palazzo Ducale was through the Porta della Carta, which was built and decorated by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon between 1438 and 1442. The portal is surmounted by a sculpture (copy) of Doge Francesco Foscari kneeling before the winged lion of St Mark. 

At the end of the 15th century, an entirely new structure, in an entirely new style, was built between the Ponte della Canonica and the Ponte della Paglia. Antonio Rizzo was the architect responsible for introducing the classical style to the Palazzo Ducale in the design of its east wing. The work was completed by 1510.

Palazzo Ducale

Porta della Carta

Judgement of Solomon