The Doge's Palace

 We decided to get the Museum Pass which would allow entrance into quite a few of the museums we wanted to visit. Apparently, there was quite a bit of intrigue associated with the rulers of Venice (as - I'm sure - with all govenments!), and I realized that I need to read more about this when I get home. 

The paintings were spectacular, and these photos don't even begin to show how beautiful they are. 

                         Inner courtyard

                              The ceiling of the Golden staircase

                               Ceiling painting by Tintoretto

                  "Secret" doors were in many places.

                      This compartment was used to place/pass notes.

                              Archery bows and arrows

                        Francisco Mavroceno

Antonio Rizzo, the sculptor of the statues below - Adam, Eve and Warrior.

Gold plaque honoring Mavroceno

                        Ceiling painting

A painting showing a lion which is the symbol of Venice. It represents Saint Mark the Evangelist, patron of Venice.

View of the courtyard below from one of the upper floors.
         

                        Adoration of the Magi, attributed to Franz Floris and Lambert Lombard