Doge's Palace

We started the day with a tour of the Doge's Palace (Duke).  I had a brief breakdown when the group ticket lady told me she wouldn't take our combo tour tickets (that I had paid 500 euros for), but then one of the group members tried the tickets we had already (that we thought we had to exchange), and it worked.  Problem solved.  Thanks to group members who try to figure things out and see what works.

We got the audio guides, which were highly recommended, and they told us selectively about 1000 years of Ducal history of Venice.  It was really interesting and focused heavily on the art that was on display throughout the palace (no pictures allowed inside).

On the balcony looking down at the main court yard.  Each building that makes up the courtyard was built in a different era with a different style.

The 'giants staircase' used only for special occasions.

Stairway up to the ducal appartments

This is looking out the stone grill work at the canal below, going across the Shadow of Sighs (from the palace to the prisons, where prisoners crossed.  It was named for the presumed sighs that they would heave when getting their last view of freedom.