Page 120 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

118  NOR THEAST IT AL Y

p Palazzo Ducale

The Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), the . Giants’ Staircase
official residence of Venice’s rulers, was This 15th-century staircase
founded in the 9th century. The present is crowned by Sansovino’s
statues of Mars and
palace owes its external appearance to Neptune, symbols of
the building work of the 14th and early Venice’s power.
15th centuries. To create their airy Gothic
masterpiece, the Venetians broke with
tradition by perching the bulk of the
palace (built in pink Veronese marble) on
top of an apparent fretwork of loggias and
arcades (built from white Istrian stone).

. Porta della Carta
This 15th-century Gothic
gate was once the main
entrance to the palace.
From it, a vaulted
passageway leads to the
Arco Foscari and the
internal courtyard.

. Sala del
Maggior Consiglio
This vast hall was used as a
meeting place for members
of Venice’s Great Council.
Tintoretto’s huge Paradise
(1590) fills the end wall.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp562–5 and pp580–84

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