Lords of the Night Prisons Palace: Cells & Torture Tools Visit
Description
Explore the hidden side of Venice with a guided visit to the historic Prison’s Palace, a place where justice and power once shaped the city’s destiny. Step inside and walk through ancient cells and quiet corridors, discovering a lesser-known chapter of Venetian history. Accompanied by a guide dressed as an authentic Lord of the Night, learn how Venice’s justice system worked and how order was maintained across the Republic. Hear stories of daily prison life, see original graffiti left by inmates, and uncover the realities faced by those once confined here. Be fascinated by the story of Giacomo Casanova’s famous escape and listen to myths and legends that still echo within these walls. Discover the role of the powerful Council of Ten in overseeing justice. Today, the Prison’s Palace, overlooking the Riva degli Schiavoni, hosts cultural events and concerts, while preserving the atmosphere of its remarkable past.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Listen to the myths and legends that still live inside these cold cells and halls. Along the route, you’ll enjoy the explanation of the powerful “Council of The Ten”, composed of the highest Venice Politicians that oversaw justice in all Venetian domains. Since the birth of the Republic, Venice has been always careful in the administration of justice, which used to do proudly with its judicial system. composed by courts, lawyers, and magistrates. One of the main points was the operating police used to resolve fights and punish the perpetrators of crimes. Nowadays the Palace, which overlooks the stunning Riva Degli Schiavoni, is home to an important Venetian cultural institution.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Reviews(244)
This was a great tour. Very macabre, thought provoking, sickening at times. Reminisce about the times when you could be accused of a crime by a neighbour and tortured without trial. This tour goes inside the prison next to the palace and next to the bridge of sighs, showing the cells prisoners were kept in and some of the original devices to torture to gain confessions from the guilty and the innocent.
Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
Great to learn the history of the Venetian prison and cast system. Guide was knowledgeable and fun. Nice to be able to walk around the rooms to see the conditions
This was a wonderful one on one tour with Alex. Alex was very knowledgeable about the history of the house, the night lords, and various forms of torture implements. I’m glad I paid attention so she didn’t have to use any on me. Alex had the skill of a museum docent and curator who had been doing the profession for a decade, I was very surprised to learn she had only been doing tours for a year, I highly recommend booking this if you’re in Venice. Ask for Alex and tell her Mike sent you so you can avoid being put in the Big Venetian chair. Thanks Alex!
Julia was an amazing guide - I definitely recommend getting the guided tour. She had great stories, was extremely knowledgeable and intelligent, and answered all of our questions as we moved throughout. Very unique and cool experience!
Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
Julia did an amazing job explaining everything and answering all our extra questions .
Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
The guide did not enhance the experience; we could have just read the signs.
This is a very short, but interesting tour. It was really eye opening to the torture that people endured in Venice. Highly recommend!
I had an amazing tour with our guide Julia! She was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole experience enjoyable from start to finish. she was happy to answer all our questions. I’m extremely satisfied with the tour and would highly recommend it to anyone. Thank you Julia for such a wonderful experience
Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
Great efficient tour that’s intimate, entertaining and a relief from some of the other tours. My guide was excellent (ended up a private tour) and the history, knowledge and storytelling was great.
Great interaction with the Guide. Very informative and detailed orientated, with the right amount of humor and time for personal exploration
