DOGE’S PALACE (PALAZZO DUCALE)
Initially the Doge’s Palace, built in the Ninth Century, was a fortified castle. After a large number of rebuildings due to some blazes, the present structure dates from the sixteenth century and represents one of the most important examples of Venetian gothic and one of the masterpieces of Renaissance art. During his history, this Palace has been seat of the Government of The Serenissima (as Venice was named in the past), the courthouse and the doge’s residence.
All the structure was conceived as demonstration of Venice’s greatness and glory, starting from the overshadowing façade, passing through the big historical and allegorical paintings of the inner spaces, ending with precious plasters and opulent halls.
The façade, facing the Lagoon, gives an impression of unbelievable lightness, with the lower part being formed by a porch and a jagged loggia, while the upper is very compact, softened by windows. The face in front of the dock has a Fifteenth Century balcony and some sculpted groups. The one in front of the little square has a similar balcony, but with different statues. If you want to access to palace you have to pass through the Paper’s Door (Porta della Carta), built by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon.