Doge's Palace

A Venetian Gothic palace in Venice that housed the doge and the Republic of Venice’s government. Its arcaded exterior and richly decorated rooms embody the republic’s political and artistic history.

Doge of Venice: The elected chief magistrate of the Republic of Venice, whose powers were constrained by law and political institutions. The palace housed this officeholder, whose residence was inseparable from public duties.
Venetian Gothic architecture: A Venetian architectural style combining Gothic forms with Byzantine and Islamic influences. Its pointed arches, tracery, and patterned surfaces define the palace’s public face.
Venetian Republic: A maritime state centered on Venice that endured from the late seventh century until its conquest by Napoleon in 1797. The palace served as the republic’s political center for centuries.
Tintoretto: A Venetian painter of the sixteenth century known for energetic compositions and dramatic use of light. His workshop produced major paintings for the palace’s ceremonial rooms.
Museums of St Mark's Square: A group of museums and historic institutions surrounding St Mark’s Square in Venice. The palace forms part of the civic and cultural complex around the square.
Great Council of Venice: The Republic of Venice’s assembly of patrician men, which elected officials and shaped state policy. Its chamber was among the palace’s largest and most politically significant rooms.
Porta della Carta: A monumental Gothic gateway connecting Doge's Palace with the Basilica of Saint Mark in Venice. This richly carved entrance framed access between civic government and the religious center.
Great Fire of Venice (1577): A fire that severely damaged Doge's Palace and other buildings around St Mark’s Square in 1577. The disaster prompted extensive rebuilding and renewed decoration of the palace.
Paolo Veronese: A Venetian Renaissance painter known for large, vividly colored scenes and elaborate architectural settings. His paintings helped decorate the palace’s council and state rooms.
Museo Correr: A museum in Venice’s St Mark’s Square devoted to Venetian art, history, and culture. Its collections provide a wider historical context for the palace and republic.

Linked from 7 pages

St Mark's BasilicaRelated: Its adjacency to the basilica made the pair a striking expression of church and state.