Lords of the Night Prisons Palace: Cells & Torture Tools Visit
Active
45m
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Lords of the Night were Police and Judges of the Venetian Republic.
The prison staff will escort you to an authentic Prison Palace with cramped cells, a court, and gruesome torture chambers with real tortures and justice tools. Casanova was arrested by the Lords of the Night in the Prison's Palace!
The Palace is "inhabited" by life-size figures of the Lords of the Night, prisoners, judges, lawyers, and all characters working in the prisons who were taken and recreated from ancient manuscripts.
The Prisons Palace houses one of the earliest prisons in Europe, dating back to 1500.
See authentic graffiti left by the inmates and get to know the exciting Casanova’s jailbreak: listen to the tale of when he managed to escape from the maximum-security prison!
Only for small groups (maximum 16 people per visit)
Available options
Live Guided - ENGLISH
Live Guided - ITALIAN
Audio Guided - FRENCH
Audio Guided Tour in French: Choose this option to enjoy a French audio guided tour of the Prisons. Please consider that the tour could be multilingual.
Audio Guided - SPANISH
Audio Guided Tour in Spanish: Choose this option to enjoy a Spanish audio guided tour of the Prisons. Please consider that the tour could be multilingual.
What's included
Audio commentary in French and Spanish
Entrance skip the line Ticket to the Prison's Palace and its secret itinerary
Live commentary in English and Italian
Detailed itinerary
1
Listen to the myths and legends that still live inside these cold cells and halls.
Along the route, you’ll enjoy the explanation of the powerful “Council of The Ten”, composed of the highest Venice Politicians that oversaw justice in all Venetian domains.
Since the birth of the Republic, Venice has been always careful in the administration of justice, which used to do proudly with its judicial system. composed by courts, lawyers, and magistrates. One of the main points was the operating police used to resolve fights and punish the perpetrators of crimes.
Nowadays the Palace, which overlooks the stunning Riva Degli Schiavoni, is home to an important Venetian cultural institution.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
Audio guide
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.0
90 reviews
5★
46
4★
18
3★
12
2★
7
1★
7
Tripadvisor
4.3
86 reviews
5★
62
4★
8
3★
3
2★
4
1★
9
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Important notes
To Reach the Meeting point:
Prison Palace is close to San Marco Square beside Doge's Palace. Do not go to the entrance of Doge's Palace, to get to the Prisons Palace cross the bridge on the right side of the entrance of the Doge's Palace. Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the departure time.
Please enter Prison's Place and head upstairs to the first floor.
Please consider that the tour could be multilingual.
About Venice
Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.
Top Attractions
St. Mark's Basilica
A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury
Doge's Palace
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour
Rialto Bridge
The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.
Architecture
30 minutes
Free
Grand Canal
The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.
Nature/Scenic
30-60 minutes
€7.50 for a vaporetto ticket
Murano
An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day
Free to explore, €10 for museum
Burano
A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.
Cultural/Scenic
Half-day
Free to explore, €5 for lace museum
Must-Try Local Dishes
Risotto al Nero di Seppia
A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.
Main Course
Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.
Sarde in Saor
Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.
Appetizer
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.
Bigoli in Salsa
Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.
Main Course
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.
Frito Misto
A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.
Appetizer
Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.
Popular Activities
Kayaking in the canals
Cycling on Lido di Venezia
Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon
Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia
Enjoying a gondola ride
Visiting a spa or wellness center
Attending a concert or opera
Visiting museums and galleries
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, German
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Use official taxis and ticket vendors
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests
Getting there
By air
- Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center
By train
Santa Lucia Railway Station
By bus
Piazzale Roma
Getting around
Public transport
The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps
Rentals
Neighborhoods
San Marco
Dorsoduro
Cannaregio
Castello
Day trips
Burano and Murano
10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day
Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.
Lido di Venezia
20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day
A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Padua (Padova)
40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day
A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.
Festivals
Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary)
Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September
Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
- Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
- Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
- Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
