Wheelchair Accessibility of Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy

Doge’s Palace matches Venice’s illustrious and decadent history. And, like much of Venice, the Palace is largely wheelchair accessible–everything but the Secret Itineraries, Prisons, and Armory are accessible. The Palace’s accessibility website explains its wheelchair accessibility and has contact information if additional assistance is required.

Tickets are free for people with disabilities as well as one companion, and can be picked up at the Ticket Office.

Accessible Route to Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace is a flat, short roll from the Saint Mark’s (San Marco) vaporetto stop and also from Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal (see my accessibility review). The path winds in front of Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Museum of Saint Mark, and Saint Mark’s Campanile–the journey alone is worth doing. Plus the bridge in front of Doge’s Palace overlooks the Bridge of Sighs (leads over water from the Palace to the Prisons–prisoners would stop for one last look outside, sigh, and then proceed to the Prison) has been ramped and is wheelchair accessible.

There is a 2″ ridge/lip that runs around the entrance to Doge’s Palace and there is no ramp for it. But I found a shorter and very smoothed over portion of the ridge by the bridge overlooking the Bridge of Sighs. I highly suggest going to that bridge and then work your way back to the main entrance, looking for the best spot to go up. In essence, the marble is soft and has been worn down by centuries of foot traffic–so the more crowded path, the smoother and shorter the marble.

Once up that short ridge, you can ask the work staff for assistance and they will bring out a ramp to get into the Palace itself.

Wheelchair accessibility inside Doge’s Palace

Inside the Palace, there are several ramps to reach rooms and an elevator to access the other floors. A worker will help guide you and help navigate the accessible paths–the elevator is accessed through the coffee shop by two ramps.

The wheelchair accessibility of Doge’s Palace matches its incredible beauty–well worth exploring. Plus it is a great way to cool off from the summer heat!