The Doges of Venice were the political and military leaders of the republic for 1,100 years from 697 until 1797. This opulent Venetian Gothic palace was started in 1340 to be the home for the doge plus his governmental council and law courts. The Palazzo Ducale was not finished until 1442. If you look closely above the exquisite arcades and loggia, you will see the sculpture of Doge Francesco Foscari kneeling below the winged lion of Saint Mark.
