The Doge's Hidden Treasures – Private Rooms and Restored Spaces
The Doge's Hidden Treasures tour is a guided visit that focuses on the Doge's private quarters and recently restored areas of the Doge's Palace in Venice. After conservation work that brought back the original decorative splendour, the Chiesetta and Antichiesetta del Doge form the heart of this artistic and historical itinerary. The tour is exclusive, limited in numbers, and runs at fixed times with a qualified guide. This page explains what you see, ticket prices, and how to book.
What You See on the Hidden Treasures Tour
The tour begins at the Porta della Carta and leads to the Terrazza Foscara, the Loggia Foscara, and the heavily armoured Sala dei Forzieri (the old Treasure Chamber), where Renaissance objects and items related to the Doge's election are displayed. You then reach the Doge's Terrace, with views over the palace wings, and pass through the Doge's Apartment. A steep staircase leads past Titian’s monumental St. Christopher fresco to the Chiesetta del Doge (Doge's Church), redesigned by Vincenzo Scamozzi, with the altar and sculptural group by Sansovino and frescoes by Guarana and the Mengozzi Colonna. The route ends in the Antichiesetta del Doge, with canvases by Sebastiano Ricci. The tour offers a close look at spaces that were once reserved for the Doge and are not on the standard visitor path.
Ticket Price and What Is Included
The Hidden Treasures ticket is typically 40 € full price and 20 € reduced. The ticket includes the guided tour (about 1 hour 15 minutes) and then access without a guide to the Doge's Palace, the Museo Correr, the National Archaeological Museum of Venice, and the Monumental Rooms of the Marciana National Library. Holders of this ticket also get a reduction when booking a visit to the Clock Tower. Reduced rate applies to children 6–14, students 15–25 (with ID), Rolling Venice and VeneziaUnica holders, MUVE Friend Card holders, St. Mark's Square Museums or Museum Pass holders, Clock Tower ticket holders, ICOM members, and ISIC holders. Valid ID required. See prices and discounts.
Departure Times and Group Size
The tour runs at fixed times. Typically: in English at 11:00 and 16:00; in Italian at 13:00; in French at 14:30. Schedules can change; check when you book. Group size is between 2 and 10 people (smaller than the Secret Itineraries). You must be at the meeting point on time; being more than 15 minutes late can mean exclusion from the tour. For bookings: call centre from Italy 848082000, from abroad +39 041 42730892 (Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00, Sat–Sun 09:00–13:00), or the email given on the official MUVE site.
Accessibility and Restrictions
The itinerary includes small spaces, different levels, and steep stairs. It is not accessible to people with mobility difficulties and is not recommended for anyone with claustrophobia, vertigo, or cardio-respiratory problems. It is not suitable for pregnant women. Children under 6 are not allowed. For full details, see the official Doge's Palace visitor information.
Hidden Treasures vs. Secret Itineraries
The Secret Itineraries tour focuses on prisons, Chancellery, and political history; the Hidden Treasures tour focuses on the Doge's private rooms and restored art. Both include the same standard museum access after the tour. If you prefer art and the Doge's private spaces, choose Hidden Treasures; if you prefer prisons and Casanova, choose Secret Itineraries. You can also do the standard visit only; see tickets and combined tickets.