Venetian History Comes Alive

A fascinating slice of Venetian history! Although much of it was reconstructed after the 1577 fire, that doesn't affect the experience negatively. I opted for the self-guided audio tour, which takes you through the courtyard, up to the loggia, the golden staircase, and various administrative spaces. The golden staircase and ceilings are breathtaking. While I appreciated everything, the chamber of the Great Council captivated me most, imagining the significant and mundane matters of the Republic of Venice that unfolded there. The Great Council elected the Doge through a complex voting process, all taking place in this area. I also relished the armory; it's not extensive but offers a good representation of the era's weaponry and armor. You also get to traverse part of the prison, eventually crossing the Bridge of Sighs, through which many prisoners walked post-conviction. The name derives from real or speculative sighs as prisoners had their last view of beautiful Venice through its windows on the way to the gallows. As for the audio tour, I recommend skipping it. It stops functioning once you enter the armory and never resumes. Simply start at station one and read the descriptions for each room for just as much insight as the audio provides. The staff humbly acknowledged the issue but couldn't resolve it, likely because of the palace's aged and dense infrastructure. I have no complaints, though, just five euros spent, and if it aids in maintaining and preserving the palace, that's fine.