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Venice Prisons Tickets & Tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
- Don't waste time in ticket queues and unearth the secrets of Venetian politics with skip-the-line entry to the Doge's Palace.
- Discover huge oil paintings and ceiling frescoes in the main hall, like Il Paradiso by Tintoretto, and The Apotheosis of Venice by Paolo Veronese.
- Take a look at St. Mark's Square and the lagoon from the Porta della Carta, a massive gothic archway with exquisite relishes and sculptures!
- This ticket also lets you see neoclassical art at Museo Correr, rare antiquities at the Archaeological Museum, and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana.
- Don't waste time in ticket queues and unearth the secrets of Venetian politics with skip-the-line entry to the Doge's Palace.
- Discover huge oil paintings and ceiling frescoes in the main hall, like Il Paradiso by Tintoretto, and The Apotheosis of Venice by Paolo Veronese.
- Take a look at St. Mark's Square and the lagoon from the Porta della Carta, a massive gothic archway with exquisite relishes and sculptures!
- This ticket also lets you see neoclassical art at Museo Correr, rare antiquities at the Archaeological Museum, and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to Doge's Palace
- Access to Museo Correr (optional)
- Access to the Archaeological Museum (optional)
- Access to Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana (optional)
- Audio guide in English (optional)
- Guide book in multiple languages (optional)
- Tip: Catch the temporary exhibit The Worlds Of Marco Polo. The Journey Of A 13th Century Venetian Merchant from 6 Apr to 29 Sep 2024.
- Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and any type of commercial photography is a no-go inside the venue.
- Please note that the Secret Itineraries, Prisons and Armory are not accessible by wheelchair and pram/stroller.
- Ramps and elevators are available at the venue for easy access.
- The guide book will be issued on a sharing basis if the reservation is for 2 or more people.
- Kindly carry your own headphones for the audio guide.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- An in-depth experience of the Doge's Palace awaits on this expertly crafted tour in the language of your choice.
- Walk through opulent gold-ceiling rooms as you hear their unbelievable stories – like the Council of Ten Chamber that used to house Venice's secret police!
- Look out for detailed sculptures that adorn the façade, like Noah's Drunkenness by Filippo Calendario, and Adam and Eve by Antonio Rizzo.
- Short on time and want to maximize value? Select the express guided tour option to explore hidden chambers and uncover dark conspiracies.
- After your tour, explore the 3 museums in St. Mark's Square on your own: Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.
- An in-depth experience of the Doge's Palace awaits on this expertly crafted tour in the language of your choice.
- Walk through opulent gold-ceiling rooms as you hear their unbelievable stories – like the Council of Ten Chamber that used to house Venice's secret police!
- Look out for detailed sculptures that adorn the façade, like Noah's Drunkenness by Filippo Calendario, and Adam and Eve by Antonio Rizzo.
- Short on time and want to maximize value? Select the express guided tour option to explore hidden chambers and uncover dark conspiracies.
- After your tour, explore the 3 museums in St. Mark's Square on your own: Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Doge's Palace with skip-the-line entry
- English, German, French, Spanish or Italian-speaking guide
- Headsets
- Access to Museo Correr
- Access to Archaeological Museum
- Access to Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana
- Express 'mysteries and secrets' guided tour of Doge's Palace (optional)
- Tip: Capture stunning views of the Grand Canal from the palace's balconies, offering a unique perspective of Venice's iconic waterways.
- Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and any type of commercial photography is a no-go inside the venue.
- Please note that the Secret Itineraries, Prisons and Armoury are not accessible by wheelchair and pram/stroller.
- Ramps and elevators are available at the venue for easy access.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Venice
Why visit the Venice Prisons?
- Step back into a time capsule: The Doge's Palace prisons aren't sterile exhibits; they're a portal to the past. Exploring them allows you to experience, firsthand, a tangible piece of Venetian history.
- See the other side of Venice: Venice's image is often painted with strokes of romance and artistic beauty. The prisons reveal a different side, a place of harsh justice and human suffering, giving a nuanced view of the Venetian Republic.
- Learn about the lives of famous prisoners: From Giacomo Casanova to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the prison housed numerous famous inmates. Imagine the desperation in the engravings left by prisoners in the Pozzi. The Secret Itineraries Tour vividly recounts these tales of intrigue, despair, and daring escapes, such as Casanova's.
- A place of reflection: The Doge's Palace prisons aren't just about chills and thrills. Confronting the harsh realities of Venetian justice prompts you to consider the evolution of punishment and the importance of a fair legal system.
Your Doge's Palace Prisons tickets explained
Experience
New Prisons access
Piombi & Pozzi access
Why buy?
Starting price
Standard ticket
Yes
No
Cross Bridge of Sighs to access the New Prisons and experience the stark contrast to the palace's grandeur.
Guided tours
Yes
No
Your guide will bring the New Prisons to life, explaining their construction, purpose, and the lives of those incarcerated within.
Secret itineraries tour
Yes
Yes
Explore the entire prison network & institutional chambers on a unique tour. Expect engaging stories & dark curiosities.
Venice Prisons in a nutshell
- Structure and layout: The prisons were integrated into the palace’s complex structure. The notorious Pozzi (Wells) were located on the ground floor, while the Piombi (Leads) occupied the attic. The New Prisons, built later to accommodate more inmates, are accessible via the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
- Timings: Same as Doge's palace opening hours. Although, there are certain time slots for Doge’s Palace Prisons & Secret Itineraries Tour for an optimal experience.
- Duration: 50 mins - 1 hour 15 mins
- Historical context: Functioned as part of the Venetian Republic's justice system (14th - 19th century). They housed inmates ranging from political prisoners to those guilty of severe crimes.
The infamous Prisons of Doge's Palace, Venice
The Pozzi (Wells)
- Location: On the ground floor of Doge's Palace.
These cells were extremely cramped, dark, and damp, with ceilings so low that prisoners couldn't stand upright. - Conditions: Known for their inhumane conditions, which often led to disease and insanity among inmates.
- Notable features: The walls of the Pozzi still has some graffiti and artwork etched by the prisoners, some even creating artistic works like the Virgin and Child scene. It reflects the psychological state of prisoners.
The Piombi (Leads)
- Location: In the attic of Doge's Palace
Cells situated under a lead roof (also where they derived the name Piombi from) resulting in extreme temperatures— scorching in the summer and freezing in the winter. They housed inmates awaiting trial or those of noble birth. - Conditions: While a bit brighter than the Pozzi due to roof windows, they were still suffocating and uncomfortable. Some privileges for prisoners included receiving food and items from outside.
- Notable inmate: Giacomo Casanova, the famous libertine and writer, was imprisoned here and famously escaped by drilling a hole in the ceiling.
The New Prisons
- Location: Accessible via the Bridge of Sighs, adjacent to Doge's Palace.
These prisons were built to address overcrowding and the harsh conditions of the older prisons. This two-story building held up to 400 inmates and featured a central courtyard. - Conditions: It was designed with natural light and ventilation, supporting a more humane environment for prisoners.
- Historical significance: One of the earliest purpose-built prison structures in Europe, designed by Antonio Rusconi in 1563 and completed by Antonio da Ponte.
Venetian justice and torture
The Doge's Palace wasn't just a hub of Venetian politics; it also housed a ruthless justice system with torture as a chilling instrument.
Venetian justice system
- Trials likely took place within the Doge's Palace, with the austere Upper Chancery Hall serving as a venue for discussions and analyses of cases.
- Anonymous accusations, submitted through "lion's mouth" mailboxes, could initiate legal proceedings.
- The Council of Ten, a much-feared body, likely played a significant role in Venetian justice, possibly overseeing trials or investigations.
Torture methods
- A dedicated "Torment Chamber" existed within the Doge's Palace, specifically designed to inflict pain. The screams from chambers were deliberately audible to other prisoners, likely to instill fear and pressure confessions. It wasn't just about obtaining information but also about psychological intimidation.
- The "rope method" involved excruciatingly tight binding of a prisoner's hands followed by suspension, likely causing immense physical strain.
- "Drop torture" involved immobilizing a prisoner and relentlessly dripping water on their forehead, causing sleep deprivation and mental anguish.
Frequently asked questions about Venice Prisons
Can visitors access the prisons on their own, or are guided tours required?
You can access the New Prisons connected to the Doge's Palace on your own with a regular admission ticket. However, access to historic Pozzi and Piombi prisons is only possible via the Secret Itineraries tours.
What was life like for prisoners in Doge's Palace Prisons?
In the Doge's Palace Prisons, harsh conditions varied by location and crime. Cramped, damp "Wells" offered minimal light and sanitation, while scorching hot "Leads" under the roof brought misery. Even "Inner Cells" lacked ventilation, leading to prisoner decline. Overcrowding, poor hygiene, and meager rations added to the torment. Social status mattered – nobles fared better, but for all, it was a brutal experience.
How can I book tickets for the Secret Itineraries Tour, and what does it include?
The Secret Itineraries Tour must be pre-booked and cannot be accessed independently. You can book the tour online through authorized ticket vendors. Apart from regular admission to Doge's Palace it includes guided access to restricted areas of the Doge's Palace not open to regular visitors, including the Pozzi (Wells) prisons, torture chamber, and other hidden rooms. Enjoy an in-depth look at the judicial system and dark history of the Venetian Republic. It's an opportunity to see where famous inmates like Casanova were held and learn about their stories.
Are the prisons wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the prisons within the Doge's Palace, including the Pozzi and Piombi, are not wheelchair accessible due to their historical architecture and narrow passageways.
What famous prisoners were held in Doge's Palace Prisons?
Many famous prisoners were held in Doge's Palace Prisons, including Giacomo Casanova, the legendary lover and adventurer; Marco Polo, the Venetian merchant and explorer; and Silvio Pellico, the Italian poet and writer.
When were Doge's Palace Prisons closed?
Doge's Palace Prisons were closed in 1922, after almost four centuries of use. The building was then converted into a museum, which opened to the public in 1923.
What is the significance of Doge's Palace Prisons?
Doge's Palace Prisons are significant for their historical and cultural importance, as they offer insight into the political and social climate of Venice during the Venetian Republic. They also represent the harsh realities of prison life in the past.
Are there any restrictions on photography inside the prisons?
Photography is generally allowed but flash is prohibited. Tripods may be restricted in some areas. Just follow the instructions of guides and staff.
What are the hours of operation for visiting the prisons, and are there peak times to avoid?
The Doge's Palace and its prisons typically operate from morning until early evening, with specific hours varying by season. To avoid crowds, we strongly recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Are there any recommended resources or books to learn more about the history of the Venice Prisons?
Resources like books on Venetian history or specific publications about the Doge's Palace prisons might be available at the Palace bookstore or online retailers. You can check "The Venetian Empire: A Sea Voyage" by Jan Morris and "The Prisons of Venice" by Nigel Cliff for more in-depth historical accounts.
Are there facilities like restrooms and cafes available nearby?
Yes, there are restrooms and a cafe conveniently located within the Doge's Palace complex near the prisons. The ground floor toilets at the Doge's Palace are fully accessible for wheelchairs. Since the palace is quite large and requires a lot of walking, especially if you're going on a tour that reaches the upper floors, it's recommended to use the restroom before your tour begins. Additionally, you'll find plenty of dining and restroom options in St. Mark's Square and the surrounding area.
