Armoury

The rooms of the Armoury contain a valuable historical collection of weapons and armaments from several sources. The core of the collection is already documented as existing in the 14th century; and at the time of the Republic the Armoury, under the control of the Council of Ten, was stocked with weapons that would be readily available for the Palace’s guards, and on particularly delicate or important occasions, by the arsenalotti, the highly-trained workforce from the shipyards of the Arsenale.

Comprising various valuable pieces, the collection of arms was partially dispersed after the fall of the Republic, but it still contains over 2000 exhibits.

These include very famous examples of 15th and 16th century suits of armour, along with swords, halberds, quivers and crossbows. These often bear the inscribed or painted monogram CX – for “Council of Ten” – which also appears on the door jambs; further evidence of the might of the Council. The Turkish pieces are also interesting; comprising weapons, standards and ships’ lanterns, these were taken from the enemy during battle. Other pieces in the collection include: extraordinary examples of 16th and 17th century firearms; implements of torture; a chastity belt; and a series of small but lethal weapons that were prohibited by law.