What Is the Doge’s Palace “Prisons and Tyranny” Tour in Venice?

Heading to Venice and have your eye on the Doge’s Palace “Prisons and Tyranny” tour, but not exactly sure what it is? This article explains what it is and how it’s different from our other tours of Doge’s Palace.

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Doge’s Palace “Prisons and Tyranny” Tour

On our Doge’s Palace “Prisons and Tyranny” tour, you’ll discover a darker side of Venice. You’ll see the Doge’s Palace’s hidden torture chambers and even Casanova’s jail cell. See all of the areas of the palace that are not open to the public and even cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs.

If you’re looking for a unique Venice experience, the “Prisons and Tyranny” tour is your best option. You’ll see Venice’s dark side, learn about the city’s brutal legal system, and visit sections of the palace that are restricted to the general public.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Doge’s Palace Guide for more resources.

The Doge’s Palace

Your tour begins outside of the Doge’s Palace, where you’ll meet your guide. You’ll learn about the history of the palace, St. Mark’s Square and the city of Venice. Admire the Venetian Gothic façade of The Doge’s Palace before skipping the line to enter. Located next to St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace was once home to the Doge during Venice’s period as a republic.  

Doge’s Palace “Prisons and Tyranny” Tour Itinerary

The inside of the Doge’s Palace features meticulously-designed marble floors, fireplaces, and friezes. You’ll see the beautiful courtyard occupying the space between the palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

After experiencing the courtyard’s splendor, you’ll enter through a secret door to access restricted areas and begin your Doge’s Palace “Prisons and Tyranny” tour.

Doge’s Palace Prison Cells and Offices

Inside the restricted areas of the Doge’s Palace, you’ll visit the small damp detention cells called pozzi. Your guide will show you the many drawings and writing on the wall that tells the story of those held there.

You’ll then take a small stairway to visit two nearby rooms that housed members of Venice’s Council of Ten, the city’s governing body from 1310-1797. Afterward, your tour guide will take you to see the Office of the Great Chancellor, the keeper of Venice’s General Archives.

Palace Torture Chambers and Casanova’s Cell

Your Doge’s Palace “Prisons and Tyranny” tour will continue to the torture chamber. Nicknamed the Chamber of Torment, this room is directly connected to the palace prisons.

Your guide will tell you about the methods of torture implemented during the interrogation process. Following the visit to the torture chamber, you’ll walk next door and see the prison cells called piombi.

The piombi were meant for political prisoners and those with shorter sentences. You’ll learn about the only prisoner to escape from the Doge’s Palace, Giacomo Casanova. Your guide will take you to visit his cell and tell you the story of his daring escape.

The Infamous Bridge of Sighs

The Doge’s Palace Bridge of Sighs, also known as Ponte dei Sospiri, towers over the Rio di Palazzo and links the palace interrogation chamber to its prison cells. Prisoners were led across the bridge’s covered interior to what were sometimes lifelong sentences. The bridge’s small windows with stone bars gave prisoners their last glimpse of the city of Venice.

Conclude in St. Mark’s Square

Your tour concludes with the option to remain inside the palace and explore on your own or return to St. Mark’s Square with the group. Before departing from the group, be sure to ask your guide where the best places to eat in Venice are. Our Venice guides know the ins and outs of the Floating City.

For an unforgettable Venice experience, be sure to check out our other Venice tours. We offer a hidden Venice food tour and a Venice highlights tour with a gondola ride.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Doge’s Palace Guide for more resources.