PLAZZO DUCALE


Introduction

The Plazzo Ducale (Doges' Palace) was the official residence of each Venetianruler (doge)and was founded in the 9th century. The present palace owes its external appearance of the building work of the 14th and early 15th centuries. To create their airy Gothic masterpiece, the Venetians broke with tradition by perching the bulk of the palace (build in pink Veronese marble) on top of an apparent fretwork of loggias and arcades (build from white Istrian stone).

Star Features
Giants' Staircase
This 15th century staircase is crowned by Sansovino's statues of Mars and Neptune, symbols of Venice's power.
Porta della Carta
This 15th century Gothic gates is the principal entrance to the palace. From it, a vaulted passageway leads to the Arco Foscari and the interval countyard.
Sala del Maggior Consiglio
This vast hall was used as a meeting place for members of Venice's Great Couuncil Tintoretto's huge Paradise (1590) fills the end wall.

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