The Palazzo Ducale (Palace of the Doges) was the residence of the Doge or Venetian Republic. Its construction started in 1340, and achieved its final shape in 1457 - until it was badly damaged by fire in 1574. In the subsequent rebuilding work it was decided to respect the original gothic style, with just few difference, like the backyard link to the prison in the for of the famous classical style Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs).
