THE DOGE’S PALACE

VENICE, ITALY

The Doge of Venice was one of the most powerful people in Europe – once elected by the elite of the city the Doge ruled the Republic of Venice for life. It was only fitting therefore that he should live in one of the grandest palaces in Europe. The Doge’s Palace was started in 1341 and appears to float above St Mark’s Square on a double layer of thin pillars of marble. The vast bulk of the palace above is traced with pink and white stone. This unique building shows a fusion of European Gothic, Byzantine, and Islamic influences.

If you visit the Palace you may enter through the Porta della Carta. Thought to be one of the pinnacles of Venetian Gothic, the sculptures that decorate the entrance show the symbolic relationship between the Doge and Venice’s patron saints. The interior of the Palace is also sumptuously decorated with masterpieces created by the greatest artists of their day.

Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00

Tickets: €25 (includes entrance to other Venetian museums)

The facade of the Doge’s Palace shows Gothic architecture influenced by both Byzantine and Arabic design

The grand facade and tower of Brussels Town Hall is one of the finest examples of Brabantine Gothic architecture