What is the Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour in Venice?

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

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DOGE’S PALACE SECRET ITINERARIES TOUR

On our Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries 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 notorious Bridge of Sighs.

If you’re looking for a unique Venice experience, The Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour is your best option. Visit sections of the palace that are restricted to the general public. You’ll see Venice’s dark side and learn about the city’s brutal legal system.

Note: During the months of July, August and November thru February, the . During this time, we will cover other fascinating aspects of The Doge’s Palace.

The Doge’s Palace

Your tour begins outside of the Doge’s Palace, where you will 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. Sitting 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 Secret Tour Itinerary

Except: July, August, November, December, January, and February

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 secret itineraries 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 also called pozzi. Your guide will show you the many drawings and writing on the wall that tells the story of those held inside of the pozzi. You will 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 secret itineraries tour will continue to the torture chamber. Nicknamed the Chamber of Torment, this room is directly connected to the palace prisons. Your guide will teach 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 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 Doge’s Palace secret itineraries 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. Make your visit to Venice a memorable one with The Roman Guy.