Tour of the Basilica of San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale in Venice for people with limited mobility

The accessible tour of the Basilica of San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale begins at the established meeting point, where you will be welcomed by our expert guide. This tour is designed to ensure a comfortable and barrier-free visit, allowing people with reduced mobility to explore two of Venice's most iconic monuments.

Basilica of San Marco

The accessible entrance to the Basilica of San Marco, the Porta dei Fiori, is located on the left side of the building, near the main entrance. The specially designed ramp allows access inside the basilica for visitors with reduced mobility.

Once inside, you will admire its spectacular golden mosaics that cover the walls, domes, and vaults. The mosaics depict biblical scenes, figures of saints, and evangelical stories, created with colored glass tiles and gold leaf that reflect light, creating a unique and sparkling effect.

The tour includes a visit to the majestic high altar of the basilica, which houses the Pala d'Oro, a masterpiece of Byzantine goldsmithing, adorned with gems and enamels depicting religious scenes. The pulpit is equally notable, with its carved details and its dominant position in the central nave.

You will be enchanted by the beautiful floor of the basilica, a masterpiece of polychrome marble mosaics. The geometric and floral designs are a perfect example of Byzantine artistic refinement and create a fascinating visual effect.

Among the various domes that characterize the basilica, the Dome of the Ascension is one of the most remarkable. It depicts the Ascension of Christ and is surrounded by a series of mosaics narrating episodes from the life of Jesus. Other domes depict scenes from the Old Testament, making the entire experience a journey through biblical history.

The restrooms are accessible and suitable to meet the needs of all visitors.

Palazzo Ducale

The accessible entrance to the Palazzo Ducale is located next to the Porta della Carta.

The tour begins with the Scala d’Oro, an impressive staircase decorated with golden ornaments and intricate stuccos. This staircase, used by dignitaries to access the Doge's apartments, is a magnificent example of Venetian Renaissance art and highlights the luxury and grandeur of the palace.

With our guide, you will visit the palace's rooms, decorated with paintings and sculptures. Among these, you will explore the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, one of the most imposing halls in Europe, famous for its length and the grand paintings that adorn its walls, including works by Tintoretto, Veronese, and Bassano, and the Sala dello Scrutinio, used for voting during the dogal elections, adorned with paintings that celebrate the glory and victories of the Republic of Venice.

You will enter the Doge’s Apartment, a set of private rooms used by the Doge for his daily activities. These rooms are decorated with rich tapestries, painted ceilings, and luxurious furnishings, reflecting the splendor of the dogal life.

The Bridge of Sighs, the New Prisons, and the Armory are not accessible, but the guide will provide you with a detailed account of their history and significance.

The Palazzo Ducale has accessible restrooms for visitors.

Open Mind Tours and our guides are dedicated to ensuring that all visitors, including seniors and people with reduced mobility, can fully enjoy the artistic and historical wonders of Venice. We believe that beauty and culture should be accessible to everyone, and we are committed to promoting the removal of architectural barriers for an inclusive and rewarding experience.