LORDS of the NIGHT PRISONS Palace: Cells and Torture Tools – Escorted Visit

Set out on a chilling journey through the Lords of the Night Prisons Palace, a legendary and notorious 16th-century institution that has captured the imagination of history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the grim realities of early European incarceration, from the cramped and squalid cells to the haunting presence of life-size figures that bring the past to life. As you explore this unique attraction, you’ll uncover the captivating story of the infamous escape of the legendary Casanova, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the harsh realities that once defined this formidable prison.

Key Points

• Guided tour of the legendary Palace of Prisons on St. Marks Square, offering an inside look at the prison’s history and architecture.
• Opportunity to explore authentic prison cells, torture chambers, and witness life-size figures of prison staff and inmates.
• Insight into the cramped, dimly lit, and oppressive atmosphere of the prison, with details on the harsh living conditions of inmates.
• Hear stories about famous prisoners, such as Casanova, and learn about the prison’s role as one of the earliest in Europe.
• Interactive and immersive experience with live and audio commentary in multiple languages, providing a visceral glimpse into the prisons’ harrowing past.

Description of the Tour

The ‘Lords of the Night Prisons Palace: Cells and Torture Tools – Escorted Visit‘ tour offers visitors an inside look at the legendary Palace of Prisons on St. Marks Square, where they can glimpse original prison cells and other jail halls dating back to the 1500s.

Guests will hear stories about the most famous (and infamous) prisoners over time and have the opportunity to ask questions about the historic prison.

The tour includes a small group experience, allowing for a more intimate and interactive exploration of the authentic prison palace, complete with cramped cells, a court, and gruesome torture chambers housing real torture and justice tools.

This one-of-a-kind tour provides a unique glimpse into the dark history of the Lords of the Night and their infamous prisons.

Key Features of the Palace

Visitors to the Palace of Prisons are greeted by an authentic prison environment, complete with cramped cells, a court, and gruesome torture chambers housing real torture and justice tools.

Life-size figures of the Lords of the Night, prisoners, judges, lawyers, and all characters working in the prisons help bring the history to life.

Dating back to 1500, this is one of the earliest prisons in Europe and features authentic graffiti left by the inmates.

The palace is also the site of Casanova’s famous jailbreak, where he managed to escape from the maximum-security prison.

Guests can explore this historic site and learn about its dark past through live and audio commentary in multiple languages.

Authentic Prison Cells and Halls

As guests step into the Palace of Prisons, they’re immediately transported to an authentic 16th-century prison environment, with cramped cells and echoing jail halls lining the corridors. Visitors can peer into the tiny, dimly lit cells, imagining the harsh conditions and despair experienced by the inmates who were once confined within these walls.

Cell Features	Descriptions
Size	Minuscule, barely big enough for a single cot
Lighting	Minimal, with small barred windows letting in little natural light
Furnishings	Sparse, with a simple cot and chamber pot the only amenities
Graffiti	Authentic inscriptions and drawings left by inmates over the centuries
Atmosphere	Oppressive, with a palpable sense of hopelessness and suffering

Life-size Figures of Prison Staff

Lining the halls and cells of the Palace of Prisons are life-size figures that bring the grim realities of the prison system to life, depicting the lords, prisoners, judges, lawyers, and other characters who populated this historic institution.

Visitors can see the imposing Lords of the Night, the men who oversaw the prison, as well as the desperate inmates, huddled in their cramped cells.

Figures of court officials and guards illustrate the power dynamics at play, while detailed representations of torture devices serve as a sobering reminder of the brutality that once occurred within these walls.

These meticulously crafted likenesses offer a visceral glimpse into the horrors of the past, making the prison’s history palpable for all who visit.

History of the Prisons Palace

The Palace of Prisons on St. Mark’s Square has an extensive history, dating back to the 1500s as one of the earliest prisons in Europe. Originally constructed as part of the Doge’s Palace complex, the prison complex housed some of the most notorious criminals and political dissidents of its time.

The prison cells were notoriously cramped and squalid, with prisoners forced to endure harsh conditions.

Gruesome torture chambers were used to extract confessions and punish inmates.

The prison’s most famous escapee was none other than the legendary Casanova, who famously broke out of the maximum-security facility.

Casanova’s Legendary Jailbreak

Famously, Casanova, the legendary 18th-century adventurer, managed to dramatically escape from the maximum-security prison housed within the Palace of Prisons on St. Mark’s Square.

In 1756, Casanova was arrested and incarcerated in the notorious prison for his scandalous behavior. After 15 months of captivity, he engineered a daring escape, climbing over the rooftops and jumping to freedom.

His legendary jailbreak has captured the public imagination for centuries. Visitors to the Palace of Prisons can see the very cell where Casanova was held and learn about the ingenious methods he used to secure his release.

Today, Casanova’s story remains one of the most famous and captivating tales associated with this historic prison.

Inclusions and Tour Details

The tour includes live commentary in English and Italian, as well as audio commentary in French. Visitors also receive an entrance skip-the-line ticket to the Prisons Palace and its secret itinerary.

The tour provides:

• An authentic prison palace with cramped cells, a court, and gruesome torture chambers featuring real torture and justice tools
• Life-size figures of the Lords of the Night, prisoners, judges, lawyers, and all characters working in the prisons
• One of the earliest prisons in Europe, dating back to 1500, with authentic graffiti left by the inmates

The tour offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the dark history of the legendary Prisons Palace.

Meeting Point and Additional Information

Visitors typically depart for the tour from Circolo Artistico – Palazzo Delle Prigioni, located at Riva degli Schiavoni, 4209, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility issues may want to consider other options. Plus, it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions or other serious medical concerns.

On certain dates, visitors staying outside of Venice who plan to visit for the day may need to pay a €5 access fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?

There is no specified age limit for this tour. However, it is not recommended for young children or travelers with certain medical conditions, as some content may be disturbing or physically challenging.

Can I Take Photos or Videos Inside the Prisons?

Photos and videos are generally not allowed inside the prisons to preserve the historical atmosphere and protect the artifacts. Visitors should check with the tour operator for any updated policies before the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no stated dress code for this tour. However, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves navigating narrow spaces and uneven floors. Visitors should dress appropriately for the historic nature of the attraction.

Are There Any Food or Drink Options Available?

The tour does not include any food or drink options. Visitors are advised to have any necessary snacks or beverages beforehand, as they will not be available during the tour of the historic prison.

Can I Bring My Luggage on the Tour?

No, visitors cannot bring their luggage on the tour. The tour provider specifies that the tour is not suitable for travelers with large bags or luggage, as the historic prison site is not wheelchair accessible.

Recap

The Lords of the Night Prisons Palace offers a chilling glimpse into the grim history of this notorious 16th-century prison.

Visitors can explore the authentic cells, torture chambers, and life-size figures, providing an intimate and interactive experience.

The tour highlights the prison’s squalid conditions and the legendary escape of Casanova, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.