Dating back to the end of the 13th century, the Doge's Palace not only housed the Doge's apartments, but served as the seat of government, the city's courtrooms and its prison until the Venetian Republic's fall from power in 1797. Restored by the Italian government at the end of the 19th century, the palace is now home to the State Office for the Protection of Historical Monuments and has opened to the public as a museum since 1996.
Palazzo Ducale
San Marco 1
30124 Venice, Italy
011-39-041-271-5911
museiciviciveneziani.it
Noted as one of Venice's architectural landmarks, Moors' Tower houses the large, astronomical clock constructed in the early 16th century to replace the antiquated clock of Sant' Alipio overlooking the Piazza San Marco. Tours of the tower's five floors reveal the inner workings of the complex mechanism powering the clock, the clock-face, the kings and angel figures that once emerged from the clock every hour, and the bells. Tour tickets for the Moors' Clock Tower also grants visitors free access to the Museo Correr, the National Archaelogical Museum and the State Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana.
Moors' Clock Tower
San Marco, 288
30124 Venice, Italy
011-39-041-4273-0892
museiciviciveneziani.it
With golden mosaics, Byzantine architecture, Gothic influences, a myriad of sculptural styles and intricate stonework, St. Mark's Basilica is one of the most impressive monuments in Venice. Guests without cameras and luggage and wearing clothing that respects the sacristy of the cathedral can enter the Bacilica di San Marco for a 10-minute visit. Guided tours that explore the theological significance of the cathedral also can be arranged through the Office for Tourism Pastoral Promotion. Other areas of historical significance open to tourists at the Basilica include the St. Mark's Museum, the Bell Tower, the Treasury and the Pala d'oro.
Basilica di San Marco
Calle de Canonica, 323
30124 Venice, Italy
011-39-041-270-8311
basilicasanmarco.it
