Venice, Italy: The Doge's Palace

Published: Jan. 22, 2014, 3 p.m.

b"The Doge's Palace \\u2014 the ruling center and opulent, art-filled residence of Venice's duke \\u2014 was built to show off the wealth of the republic and to remind visitors that Venice's mighty trading empire was number one. For four centuries (about 1150-1550), this was the most powerful half-acre in Europe. The evocative Bridge of Sighs connects the palace to the prison next door. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series \\u2014 including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more \\u2014 visit www.ricksteves.com."