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Venice, Italy - Doge's Palace - 16th March 2003

Posted by Edmond on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 · Comments (0)

At the famous Palazzo Ducale. Once the policitical centre of Venice, the palace consists of a sweeping courtyard, elegant apartments, meeting and conference chambers. Hidden away by the Bridge of Sighs are the notorious prison cells.


Background

As a tiny introduction - construction of the Palazzo Ducale started in 1345 for the Venetian aristocracy, namely the 10 doges (or judges) and high-ranking officials, then rebuilt after two severe fires in the 16th C. Evidence of the old palace could be found after the main entrance where many of the old columns and stonework were displayed.

The richly decorated facade of Porta della Carta is probably one of the first things I remember when arriving from the entrance to the palace courtyard. The Porta della Carta or the "Door of Paper" is richly decorated with gothic spires and small figures. Right in front of the gate is the Scuola di Gianti or the "Staircase of the Giants" with the unmistakable statues of Mercury and Venus on the left and right side of the staircase respectively, guarding the entrance to the chambers.

What impressed me when I walked through the rooms were the richness of colour and detail of the paintings on the ceilings and along some of the walls. I could not help spending more time gazing at the room decorations and ceilings of the Senate, the SALA DEL CONSIGLIO DEI DIECI and the largest room of SALA DEL MAGGIORE CONSIGLIO.

The richness and pomposity of the palace ended as I entered the questioning rooms before crossing the Bridge of Sighs and arriving inside the cold, claustrophobic surrounds of the prison cells. I was surprised by the change from the elegance of the privileged in the palace, to the meagre surrounds of the criminals of a venetian state and wondered what motivated the builders to place the prison in such close proximity with a stately palace. It is also ironic that the romance-inspired Bridge of Sighs, served as the gateway between freedom and imprisonment. But at the same time, it was quite re-assuring to find that beauty does not lie skin deep.


Technical

Canon EOS 28-90mm USM. Canon A20 Digital Camera.


Links

City of Venice website (includes the museum web site)
Palace History


© Edmond, 2002