Of all the cities I’ve ever been, Venice is my absolute favourite. Each time I go, I visit my favourite haunts, of course. But I also try to discover and experience as many new aspects of the city as possible, whether it’s a remarkable building, a surprising piece of history, or a hidden gem overlooked by most visitors.
The Secret Itineraries Tour of the Doge’s Palace combines all of the above and was certainly one of the highlights of my last stay in the Queen of the Adriatic.
Anyone who has been inside the Doge’s Palace will have crossed the Bridge of Sighs and entered the New Prisons. But these were just the most recent form of incarceration created by the ancient rulers of Venice. The Secret Itineraries Tour takes you behind normally closed doors to see some of their forerunners, including the infamous Piombi, up in the Palace’s attics.

Entrance to Casanova’s original prison cell in the Piombi (The Leads) under the roof of the Doge’s Palace
The Secret Itineraries Tour also takes you to several other rooms that lay behind-the-scenes of the Venetian Republic – both literally and it terms of where the power was – and remain off limits to most visitors even today.
This post was inspired by Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge, which is Doors and Windows for a secomd week running, and Jennifer’s One Word Photo Challenge, which this week is Attic, and Jo’s Monday Walk.
If you’re the sort of person that loves a bit of fun and history on your travels, why not sign up and follow my continuing Journeys here at Jaspa’s Journal (on WordPress or Bloglovin’), or through my website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr?
And if that’s not enough for you, the first three Jaspa’s Journey novels will soon be available to enjoy, both as ebooks and in paperback! Perfect for Kids 8 – 80!
Beautiful entry for this week’s doors and windows. Happy Holidays.
And to you and Chris, Cee!
My husband loves Venice, and I am so excited to finally be going with him this year! I think we will definitely be putting this tour on the agenda. Thanks for sharing!
I hope you get to do the Secret Itineraries… We loved it!
I was thinking it a bit grim at the outset, Jaspa, but it definitely picked up 🙂 Thanks for your company this year. We’ve been to some great places together 🙂 Have a wonderful Christmas and my very best wishes for 2016.
Looking forward to more great Journeys together in 2016, Jo! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Cheers, Jaspa! Raising a glass of red to you 🙂
So stunning. I love Italy. I’ve only been once, but the tour of the Doge’s palace was delightful. Thank you for sharing these wonderful shots.
I just can’t get enough of Italy, and especially Venice, Jennifer!
The pictures of the Pozzi even today are a haunting reminder of the darkness they carried. I feel bad for the inmates who must have lived there. What a dark, dreary place…reminiscent of hell! Thank you for sharing and congratulations on getting your e-books out!
It’ll soon be paperbacks too, Neha, thanks to our new contract with Speaking Volumes!
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Wow, this looks fascinating – thanks for the heads-up, Jaspa! Best wishes for 2016
Best wishes to you too, Sue!
Thanks, Jaspa!
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