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Piombi Prisons

Piombi Prisons: Our most recommended tours and activities

Venice: Doge's Palace Reserved Entry Admission Ticket

1. Venice: Doge's Palace Reserved Entry Admission Ticket

Visit the Doge's Palace, an important historic landmark that served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. Skip the ticket line with to explore the seat of a 1,000-year republic, you’ll travel back in time to the Middle Ages. Marvel at the rich details of the magnificent gold staircase and spectacular works of art. Relive the anguish of the prisoners as they crossed the famous Bridge of Sighs. Your admission ticket also includes entry to the Correr Museum on St. Mark's Square. The building was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy.

Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access Tour

2. Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access Tour

Delve deep into Venice’s history with a 3-hour guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge's Palace, either as a private tour or shared group experience. Take in two of the city’s most important landmarks while discovering the history of the one-time mercantile capital of the Mediterranean.  Start by exploring St. Mark's Square with your guide before heading into the cathedral. From the first-floor terrace you’ll be able to admire views across the lagoon and see the famous bronze horses up close. Hear how they traveled all the way to Paris and back in Napoleon’s time. St. Mark's Basilica sometimes closes to visitors without warning. If this happens, visit the Church of San Zaccaria or the Correr Museum instead, depending on availability. Take a tour of the beautifully ornate 15th-century church and its flooded crypt or learn about the art and history of Venice. Next, you’ll use the priority entrance to reach Doge's Palace, formerly the residence of the leader of the Republic of Venice. Enjoy visiting the Chamber of the Great Council and courtrooms among other things. Highlights include frescoes by Tintoretto and the Giants’ Staircase.  After this, cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs that links to the New Prisons. Learn how the bridge got its name and the purpose for its construction in the 17th century as you take in the amazing views of the canals. At the end of your tour, feel free to stay and explore the Doge’s Palace with tips from your guide.

Venice: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tour

3. Venice: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tour

See the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, two of the most iconic sites in Venice, on a guided tour. For centuries, the destiny of the Most Serene Republic was decided in the majestic halls of the Doge’s Palace. Walk through the magnificent halls and marvel at the well-conserved priceless treasures, art masterpieces, and frescos. Visit the prison, passing over the celebrated Bridge of Sighs, so called because prisoners often sighed while looking at their beloved lagoon and freedom for the last time before reaching their cells. Among the famous guests of the Doge’s Palace prisons was Giacomo Casanova, the celebrated seducer and adventurer who managed to escape from the prison in 1756. Next, head to St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the world’s most stunning churches. As the name suggests, this cathedral is bound tightly to Venice’s patron, St. Mark, and the saint's remains are in fact here. Admire the breathtaking golden mosaics covering the high walls, and see the Pala d’Oro, an altarpiece made from hundreds of pieces of enamel on a golden leaf.

Venice: Doge’s Palace Guided Tour

4. Venice: Doge’s Palace Guided Tour

Visit Doge's Palace with an expert guide and tour its extraordinary rooms. Together with your expert guide, you will be escorted inside the palace where you can admire artistic masterpieces created by the most famous painters and sculptors of that time. Tiepolo and Tiziano make up only a few of the many artists that decorated this palace. Be stunned in front of the golden staircases, the entrance of the rooms of the Doges, and the halls of power from where you can see the “Last Judgment” by Tintoretto, one of the greatest and largest paintings in the world. Visit the Old Royal Palace in St. Marks Square. Here you will discover the Venice lifestyle in the past; the rooms of Sissi (Empress of Austria) and the archaeological museum.

Venice: Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guidebook

5. Venice: Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guidebook

Save precious time and skip the long lines to the former seat of power in Venice. Enjoy fast track entry to the magnificent Doge's Palace and wander around the amazing halls and corridors at your own pace. Cross the Bridge of Sighs from the inside to reach the prisons where criminals were kept, including Casanova! Use the handy guide book, provided in your chosen language, to learn the history of the palace and its masterpieces of art. Continue to the nearby Museo Correr to explore the way of life of the locals of Venice through the centuries on the upper floors of the Procuratorie Nuove. Create your own adventure and use the 8 suggested itineraries in the guide book to discover the different palaces of St. Mark’s Square. See sculptures, paintings and libraries that reveal the true might of the city's naval history.

Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace & Doge’s Palace

6. Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace & Doge’s Palace

Combine the top two sights in Venice on one extraordinary tour led by a local guide. With pre-reserved tickets and skip-the-line access, head straight into St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace for a guided experience. Select the 8 AM tour to enjoy exclusive early entry to the Doge's Palace and have the door opened exclusively for your group an hour before the general public arrives. First, step inside Venice's most important church—St. Mark's Basilica—and gain a full appreciation for its east-meets-west architecture and breathtaking gold mosaics. In the company of a local guide, get up close with some of the basilica’s greatest treasures, such as the millennia-old Quadriga of four gold horses. Have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. At every step of the way, you’ll hear the fascinating story of how most of the basilica's prized possessions ended up here by less-than-honest means. The second stop on your itinerary is no less beautiful. The Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, was home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. Skip the long line with pre-reserved tickets and walk straight inside to explore huge council chambers, incredible audience rooms, and a stunning ballroom with larger-than-life works by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. Hear the intriguing history of this building that housed the world's oldest republic—as well as its fascinating government and even an incarcerated Casanova. To finish your morning of discovery, walk in the footsteps of many a less-fortunate Venetian from centuries past. Head over the Bridge of Sighs from the inside and into the grim New Prisons—a stark yet fascinating contrast to the opulent halls and galleries that lie within the palace just across the narrow canal.

Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Skip-The-Line Tickets

7. Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Skip-The-Line Tickets

Embark on a tour of Venice's top attractions with a local guide. Enjoy priority access to pre-reserved tickets that will potentially save you hours of waiting in line. Choose between a small group or private tour, and immerse yourself in the stories and history behind the city's major highlights. Meet your guide at the iconic St. Mark's Square, where you'll discover the historical, social, and political importance of this renowned public space. Marvel at the Clock Tower and Marble Lions that are part of St. Mark's rich history. Walk at a leisurely pace to the opulent Doge's Palace, with pre-reserved tickets that provide instant access to the political heart of the former Empire, bypassing long queues. Admire the Gothic architecture of the palace and learn about the supreme authority and wealth of the ruling Venetian Doges, including the skilled 14th-century sculptors who worked on the palace. Visit the Old Prison, part of the Doge's Palace, and learn about the significance of the Bridge of Sighs, a poignant landmark in Venice's history. Hear the extraordinary story of the famous Casanova and his life in Venice, and gain enough knowledge to explore the rest of the city on your own. Choose to stay as long as you want in the Palace after your tour finishes. In addition, the tour includes tickets to the Correr Museum on St. Mark's Square, a beautiful residence designed for Napoleon. After the tour ends, you can explore the museum at your leisure. Your tickets are valid for the day.

Special Early Entrance Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica

8. Special Early Entrance Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica

Experience two of Venice's most iconic buildings on a guided tour. Visit the Doge's Palace before the building opens to the public, skip the line at the stunning St. Mark's Basilica, and enjoy a panoramic view of Venice from the Basilica's terrace. Begin your guided tour with an early visit to the Doge's Palace. Enjoy exploring this massive building without the usual crowds. See the Giants' Staircase and marvel at the paintings by Paolo Veronese. As the light changes, so does the color of the luxurious marble- and gold-covered palace. After admiring the interior of the palace, walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs to reach the new prisons. As you walk, learn about the anguish of the historic prisoners who walked across this bridge, giving it its poetic name. Continue to St. Mark's Basilica, where you can skip the line. Inside the famous Basilica, admire the stunning architecture and golden mosaics. Before heading upstairs to the terrace, glance down at the intricate 11th-century floor covered in geometric and animal designs. Learn about the Basilica's rich history as a centerpiece of Venetian life from your guide. Continue up to the terrace and take a spectacular view of Venice. See Piazza San Marco, the island of San Giorgio, the Campanile, and the Clock Tower spread out before you.

Venice Museum Pass & Doge's Palace Entrance Ticket

9. Venice Museum Pass & Doge's Palace Entrance Ticket

Admire the San Marco Civic Museums, such as the Doge’s Palace, Correr Museum, National Archaeological Museum, Biblioteca Marciana, and more with your Venice museum pass. Glimpse into the past as you explore the treasures and cultural traditions across various museums and historic churches. Museums of St. Mark's Square (available with the Venice Museum Pass and Venice Museum Pass Plus): • Doge's Palace • Correr Museum • National Archaeological Museum • Biblioteca Marciana If you select the Venice Museum Pass Plus option you will also enjoy entry to the following civic museums: • Ca' Rezzonico • Carlo Goldoni's House • Mocenigo Palace • Ca' Pesaro (Modern Art Gallery and Oriental Art Gallery) • Glass Museum (Murano) • Lace Museum (Burano) • Natural History Museum Both options include the following historic churches in the Chorus Pass: • Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio • Chiesa di Santo Stefano • Chiesa Santa Maria Formosa • Santa Maria dei Miracoli • San Giovanni Elemosinario • Ca’ San Polo • San Giacomo dell'Orio • San Stae • Sant'Alvise • San Pietro di Castello • San Redentore • Santa Maria di Rosario • San Sebastiano • San Giobbe • Santa Maria Del Carmelo - I Carmini • San Giovanni Battista in Bragora

Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and Gondola Ride Combo

10. Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and Gondola Ride Combo

Experience Venice from multiple perspectives with a guided tour of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Cruise down the Grand Canal by gondola, and explore the city at your own pace using a mobile app. Discover masterpieces of art and architecture at historic sites such as the Accademia and the beautiful San Marco and Rialto areas. Use the map on the app to guide you through the city and decide what to see. Listen to the automatic audio narration as you take in 31 attractions, including La Fenice theater, the Rialto Bridge, its local markets, and more. You can take the tour during the day or at night, according to your preference. Admire the breathtaking view of St. Mark's square, the heart of Venice, from the terrace of the Basilica. Benefit from a bonus glass-blowing session close to St. Mark's Square and assist a master glass blower at a glass-blowing demonstration using traditional techniques to create your unique glass item. Receive a small gift as a souvenir before ending the tour.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Piombi Prisons

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What people are saying about Piombi Prisons

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 13,062 reviews

So glad that we booked this trip. We'd have missed so many things if we'd have just gone in by ourselves (and would have had to queue for ages!) Our guide was really knowledgable, engaging and funny. The headsets were great and we could hear him at all times.

We had the most wonderful and knowledgeable guide. The tour was exceptional the palace oh my gosh! Definitely a must do and great value for money.

Arrived, collected tickets, zero line and you go to order at Palazzo Ducale

Very interesting tour, we really enjoyed the experience.

It was breathtakingly beautiful well worth a visit.