Porta della Carta

Porta della Carta is the main entrance to the Doge’s Palace and the symbolic threshold between the city and the political heart of the Venetian Republic.

Built between 1438 and 1442 by Bartolomeo Bon, this richly decorated Gothic portal once displayed bright colors and gilding. Its sculptures were designed to communicate the values of the Serenissima before anyone even stepped inside.

At the center, the Doge Francesco Foscari kneels before the winged lion of Saint Mark, symbol of the State. Even the highest authority of Venice is shown submitting to the Republic, reminding visitors that power belonged not to one ruler, but to the institutions.

Above and around him, statues represent Justice and the virtues of Charity, Prudence, Strength, and Temperance. These figures reflect the ideals the government claimed to uphold, especially fair judgment, since the palace also housed the courts.

Crossing this gate meant entering a place where political, civic, and moral power came together.