Next morning, up early, we paid a visit to the Doge's Palace - only a ten minute walk from the hotel. This incredible building started life in the 9th century as a fortified castle, but was destroyed by a series of fires. The existing palace owes its external appearance to the building work of the 14th and early 15th centuries.
The designers perched the bulk of the pink Verona marble palace on lace-like Istrian stone arcades, with a portico supported by columns below. This lavish sight greets you as you enter the building.
The ornate ceilings and walls are adorned with paintings by the great masters - Tintoretto, Carpaccio, Hieronymus Bosch, Titian, and many more famous artists.