Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) is a triumph of

Gothic architecture

- it was once home to Venice's rulers

and the officers of State

- built in pink Veronese marble

and white Istrian stone
.

Courtyard of the palace
. Sala dello Scudo

The walls of this room are covered with maps of the world.

In the centre of the room are 2 giant

18th-century globes
(not allowed to snap photos inside the palace...)
.

Giants' Staircase

- 15th-century staircase with golden ornaments
.
View from the balcony of
Sala del Maggior Consiglio
- not bad!
.
The Palazzo Ducale is absolutely worth a visit!
Unbelievably gorgeous private rooms &
official halls
- lots of paintings by Tintoretto
- dowstairs almost shocking simple prison department
.