Venice	::: << Prev ::: Thumbs ::: Next >> :::
	072 of 181. The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), built in 1340, is one of the main landmarks of the city of Venice. The palace was the residence of the Doge (chief magistrate) of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice. Also shown above is one of two large columns overlooking the lagoon. Each column bears statues of the city's two patrons: the winged lion (symbol of St Marc the Evangelist) and St Todaro, the city's first protector.