Venice - The Doge's Palace, the New Prisons

The Bridge of Sighs, leading from the Doge's Palace to the New Prisons.

We left the sumptuous rooms In the Palace , passing through some plainer rooms including the Court Rooms, and on to the prison cells. 

Crossing the Bridge of Sighs on the inside. It is believed that the bridge got its name from the prisoners passing over the bridge on their way to the cells on the other side of the canal, and sighing as they had their last look at freedom. There are two passages crossing the bridge, one for entering the prison, the other one for leaving the prison, this view looks inland, the Doge's palace is on the left.

One of the first cells we saw, imagine being incarcerated here with many other people.

The new prisons were built to relieve the overcrowding in the original prison inside the Ducal palace. The buildings were started in 1563 to provide better conditions for the prisoners. 

It was fascinating walking through the passages, but there is definitely a strange atmosphere. 

Maybe the walls hold the residue of the suffering that went on here?

We believe these round holes were where the food for the prisoners were passed through to them.

Very old, very tiny doors, who knows what lies behind them?

Above and below are photos of just some of the amazing doors to the cells. Imagine these doors closing behind you knowing you wouldn't be free for a very long time. 

Some of the doors were more iron locks and hinges than wood, but they were fascinating :)

The flag stones above and below were probably carved by a prisoner, I don't know any Italian but think I can see the word 'inocenti' in the top photo, maybe someone was protesting their innocence in the only way they could? 

Leaving the prison by the Bridge of Sighs, using the second passage, this time the view from the windows were of the Grand Canal

Back in the Palace, and a close up of the Bridge of Sighs :)

After our visit we met Joe for lunch then headed back to St. Marks Square for our visit to the Basilica.

More about that in the next blog :)