The Hall of the Council of Ten in the Doge’s Palace in Venice was intended to host secret meetings on sensitive issues such as national tranquility and prosperity, public order and morality, the punishment of crimes committed by political prisoners and nobles, and the morals and manners of citizens.
Let us discover together the history, architecture and works contained within the Hall of the Council of Ten of the Doges’ Palace in Venice.
Before we begin, a brief preamble: if you plan to visit the Doge’s Palace in Venice, the Hall of the Council of Ten and all the other rooms, it is strongly recommended that you buy your ticket online, to avoid the long queue that may form at the ticket office. By purchasing the ticket in advance, you will be able to access the Palace skipping the queue at the entrances.
Doge’s Palace Venice skip-the-line ticket: quick access
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Table of content
Hall of the Council of X of the Doge’s Palace: history
This room was used to host secret meetings on sensitive issues such as national tranquility and prosperity, public order and morality, the punishment of crimes committed by political prisoners and nobles, and the morals and manners of citizens.
It is so called because the commission consisted of a committee of ten people, a small council and a commission of at least one avogador del comun. To achieve its goals, the council could also resort to torture.
Who was the Council of Ten in Venice?
The Council of Ten was a special Venetian magistracy of ten members. Established in 1310, its task was to prosecute and punish the perpetrators and accomplices of Baiamonte Tiepolo’s conspiracy.
Initially, the council was created with a provisional character but was extended until 1335, when it became permanent.
At the head of the council were the three chiefs who held office for a month and had the task of hearing the accused of the crimes, investigating the truth of the facts, bringing the trials before the assembly, and informing the decemvirs and the Signoria of the most urgent measures.
Hall of the Council of Ten: works and paintings
The wooden bumps on the perimeter of the room where the deputies sat are still present, while those on the semicircular platform have been lost.
A door led to the office behind and, via a staircase, to the prison.
The walls bear decorations with putti, allegorical figures, and the coat of arms of Doge Francesco Donà on a frieze by Giambattista Zelotti, the Adoration of the Three Doctors by Antonio Ariense and the Peace of Bologna between Charles V and Clement VII in 1530 by Marco Vecellio, Late 16th and early 17th century canvases adorn the walls.
A series of chiaroscuro paintings with allegorical and symbolic subjects surrounding large panels are by Giambattista Poncino da Castelfranco and Paolo Veronese. These depict the gods and greatness of the Republic.
Conclusions
With this article I have told you the story of the Council Chamber of the X in the Doge’s Palace in Venice.
If you want to find out more, read the complete list of rooms and interiors of the Doge’s Palace, or have a look at the article on the Hall of the Great Council, the most important hall of the building.
Doge’s Palace Venice skip-the-line ticket: quick access
Buy online. Choose your preferred time. Visit the Doge’s Palace of Venice, the Great Council Chamber, the prisons and more.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
