Palazzo delle Prigioni

Venice's Echoing Halls of Justice and Captivity

A narrow alley beside the Palazzo delle Prigioni in Venice, lined with tall brick walls and overhead arches that connect the buildings on either side. The historic architecture and the intimate passageway evoke the timeless charm of the city’s hidden corners

Gateway to Venetian Justice​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​The Palazzo delle Prigioni is located next to the Doge’s Palace, across the Rio di Palazzo canal, overlooking the Riva degli Schiavoni and San Giorgio Maggiore.
Access is only possible through the Doge’s Palace by crossing the Bridge of Sighs. You can get there by taking the vaporetto to “San Zaccaria” or by walking east from Piazzetta San Marco—its impressive facade is easy to recognize.

Walls That Heard Verdicts

​​​​​​​Constructed from 1589 to 1614, the Palazzo delle Prigioni replaced the cramped medieval dungeons with a prison designed in the Renaissance style.
Linked to the Doge’s Palace by the famous Bridge of Sighs, it represented Venice’s judicial power. Inmates, who caught a final view of freedom through stone grilles, were confined in its cells—housing criminals, debtors, and political prisoners until it was closed in 1900s.

A beautiful woman wearing a small red hat, with striking dark eyes and long flowing hair, stands by the brick wall of Palazzo delle Prigioni in Venice. Her hands rest gently on the wall as she gazes up at the sky, lost in thought. The scene captures a quiet, emotional moment against the backdrop of historic architecture

Echoes Behind Bars​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Enter the solemn Prigioni, where the heavy presence of history fills the dim hallways. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, following the last path taken by prisoners, and observe the sharp contrast to the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace.
Explore the early design of the prison, absorb its gloomy ambiance, & uncover carved inscriptions—a chilling insight into Venetian justice & the lives once held captive within these stone walls.

Timing Your Visit Right​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​To experience the Prigioni with fewer people, start your Doge’s Palace visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Steer clear of the busiest times between 11 AM and 3 PM when crowds are largest. The last part of the palace tour, which includes the interior, is accessible only during official palace hours. For exterior views and photos, visiting early or late provides the best lighting and a peaceful atmosphere.

An old, weathered wooden ladder leaning against the historic brick wall of Palazzo delle Prigioni in Venice. The aged wood and timeworn texture evoke a sense of forgotten stories and quiet history within the ancient city

Respecting History’s Silence

​​​​​​​Entry to the Prigioni requires a Doge’s Palace ticket, best booked ahead.
Wear comfortable shoes for stone floors and stairs. Speak softly—it’s a place of past suffering. Don’t block narrow corridors, and take time to absorb its atmosphere and haunting prisoner graffiti.
Photography is allowed without flash, though dim lighting may test your skills.

San Marco Highlights Nearby

Encircling the Prigioni are some of Venice’s top attractions. Start your visit at the Doge’s Palace, then admire the Bridge of Sighs from the Ponte della Paglia. Discover St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica, and Palazzo Dandolo. Take a walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront, enjoy vaporetto rides departing from San Zaccaria, and catch a nearby gondola to fully experience the enchanting atmosphere of Venice.

A black-and-white photograph of a Persian woman with long hair, wearing a light velvet coat, leaning against the tall brick wall of Palazzo delle Prigioni in Venice. She gazes upward toward the sky, evoking a sense of quiet reflection and timeless elegance

Legacy of Venetian Justice

​​​​​​​For more than two hundred years, the Prigioni functioned as Venice’s primary prison, playing a central role in its judicial system. It held criminals, debtors, and political opponents, prominently demonstrating state control along the Riva degli Schiavoni.
Its architecture showcased sophisticated urban planning, symbolizing the connection between justice and authority.

Haunting the Cultural Lens

​​​​​​​The Prigioni and Bridge of Sighs have inspired novels, poems, and films—Lord Byron romanticized its name, while authors like Donna Leon evoke its weighty atmosphere.
Its iconic view features in cinema classics and Venetian paintings, influencing visual storytelling for centuries. Though rarely filmed inside, its haunting presence continues shaping narratives of justice and sorrow.

A narrow alley beside the Palazzo delle Prigioni in Venice, lined with tall brick walls and overhead arches that connect the buildings on either side. The historic architecture and the intimate passageway evoke the timeless charm of the city’s hidden corners

Value Beyond the Ticket

​​​​​​​Entry to the Palazzo delle Prigioni is included with the Doge's Palace ticket, which costs approximately €30–€35. This ticket grants access to important museums and historic landmarks. Touring the Prigioni offers a moving experience and enriches your understanding of history—particularly when crossing the Bridge of Sighs—making it a meaningful and valuable addition to your visit. 

Navigating With Sensitivity

​​​​​​​The Prigioni is appropriate for the majority of visitors but can be challenging. Teenagers with an interest in history may find its narrative captivating, whereas younger children might have difficulty with its serious atmosphere. Older adults should take their time, as there are stairs, uneven floors, and few places to sit. Visitors with mobility issues might encounter some restrictions—it's best to consult the Doge’s Palace website.