Institutional Chambers
The Institutional Chambers were the rooms which housed the organs of a political and judicial administrative which was the envy of Europe for centuries, due not only to its immutability (in spite of the absence of a written constitution) but also to its ability to resist the passage of time and still maintain social peace and harmony.
You will pass through the chambers of all the main organs of government – the Great Council, the Senate and the Collegio – and also visit those used by the main judicial bodies within the Venetian Republic, from the Council of Ten to the so-called Quarantie (Councils of Forty).
In all of the rooms, the decor is carefully chosen and designed not only to indicate the role of the bodies who met within them, but also to celebrate the virtues of the State.
The Institutional Chambers on the 1st floor
The Institutional Chambers on the first floor of the Doge’s Palace in Venice house important offices and bear witness to the city’s political and judicial history.
As part of the visitor itinerary, these rooms are accessed after visiting the second floor, coming from the Armoury.
On this floor, visitors can explore the Liagò Room, the Chamber of Quarantia Civil Vecchia, the Guariento Room, the Chamber of the Great Council, the Chamber of the Scrutinio, the Chamber of the Quarantia Criminale, the Cuoi Room and the Chamber of the Magistrato alle Leggi.
The Institutional Chambers on the 2nd floor
The Doge’s Palace is a symbol of the grandeur of the Venetian Republic and houses a series of rooms, each of which once served specific functions related to government and justice. The rooms are enriched with artworks by renowned masters such as Tintoretto, Paolo Veronese, and Andrea Palladio.
On this floor, visitors can explore the Square Atrium, the Four Doors Room, the Antechamber to the Hall of the Full Council, the Council Chamber, the Senate Chamber, the Chamber of the Council of Ten and the Compass Room.
From this room one can pass to the Armory and the New Prisons, or go straight down the Censors’ Staircase to pass into the rooms housing the councils of justice on the first floor.
The Institutional Chambers on the Loggia floor
On this floor, visitors can explore the Chamber of Censors, the Chamber of the State Advocacies, the „Scrigno“ Room and the Chamber of the Navy Captains.
The next room, now the bookshop, used to house the Lower Chancellery of Palazzo Ducale. Upon exiting this area, visitors emerge into the loggia, facing the majestic Giants‘ Staircase.
