The Palazzo Ducale in Venice. The Doge's Palace.

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A 12 Century Building that has had many uses

The Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) is the most popular of Piazza San Marco's array of top attractions. It has been in existence since the 12th century. It was the seat of power of Venice's doges (dukes) for over 600 years, until the Republic fell in 1797. It was the venue for the city's law courts and civil administration departments. The city jail was also incorporated here until its relocation across the adjoining Bridge of Sighs.

Designed to Impress

The palace we see today was constructed during Venice's first real burst of prosperity, and it shows. It has not one, but two, principal facades. One facing the piazzetta and the other watching over the lagoon. Both are dressed in pink-and-white marble. They are adorned with ornate crenellations and finely wrought loggias. Although near identical in appearance, it is recorded that greater consideration was given to the side of the building facing the lagoon. This is where most emissaries arrived (although they actually entered via the Porta della Carta on the piazzetta). Today's visitors use the deceptively demure Porta del Frumento (Corn Door) on the waterfront.

Inside the The Palazzo Ducale

Things get even more impressive inside. First to greet visitors is the capacious internal courtyard with its double row of Renaissance arches. The eastern facade leads to the Scala dei Giganti (Stairway of the Giants). This was named so because of the huge statues of Mars and Neptune by Sansovino that stand guard on each side. This symbolises Venice's dominance over land and sea. At the top of the staircase is the white-marble loggia that was used for the doges' lavish inauguration ceremonies. Beyond this are the extravagant wood-paneled courts and elaborate meeting rooms. Here important visiting dignitaries, the only other people permitted to climb the hallowed white stairs, met with their hosts.

First Floor

Further up there are three floors of lavish rooms to explore. Firstly, closest to hand are the Sala delle Quattro Porte (Hall of Four Doors) and the Sala del Senato (Senate Chamber). Both of these boast stunning ceiling paintings by Tintoretto in stuccoed gilded frames.

Second Floor

The second floor houses the doge's private rooms and the adjoining Anticollegio, which contains four Tinterettos. These include his much lauded Three Graces, Bacchus, Ariadne, plus Verenese's Rape of Europa, one of the artist's finest works. The floor's, and, indeed, the palace's, most impressive room is the Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Great Council Hall). 177 ft long it runs the entire length of the southern waterfront facade. It once served as a huge meeting place for members of the aristocracy, with a capacity of 2,000. Tintoretto, again, supplies the decoration; this time with the sprawling Paradiso at the far end of the hall over the doge's throne. This measures 23 ft by 75 ft and is the largest oil painting in the world.

Third Floor

The third floor houses the Stanza del Consiglio dei Dieci (Room of the Council of Ten). This is where Venice's secretive security police, its Council, would retire to vote on cases, dispense justice and order beheadings. Many of the people sentenced here would end up next door in the Palazzo delle Prigioni (Prisons). You can get there by taking the tiny doorway on the opposite side of Paradiso in the Great Hall, after which you'll cross the famous Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs). The iconic view of Venice from the bridge was the last many men had of the outside world.