Travelled by train to Venice.

After lunch we toured the Doge’s Palace or Palazzo Ducale.

The building is Venetian Gothic, mainly constructed in 15th century, oldest surviving parts (wing overlooking the lagoon) date back to 14th century.

The palazzo was the residence of the Doge, an elected position held for life, and the meeting rooms for the members of the Republic of Venice. The members were men over 25 from the leading families of Venice. The Republic existed from the 13th century until Napoleon conquered the Republic in 1797.

Above, interior courtyard

I can’t remember the names of many of the many rooms. This one had a Veronese painting.

This one has a Titian.

Above Chamber of the Great Council is 53 meters long and 25 meters wide, largest chamber in the Doge’s Palace, and one of the largest rooms in Europe, and contains Tintoretto’s painting Paradise, one of the biggest paintings in Europe.

Bridge of Sighs, built in 1614 to link the Doge’s Palace to the structure intended to house the New Prisons:

You cross over a canal on the bridge. The name was given by Lord Byron who suggested prisoners would sigh as they saw their last glimpse of the sky before going to their prison cell. The photo is of the largest cell. The cells got smaller on lower levels–and darker.

Above the Doge’s entrance and the Giants Staircase.