Hi! I noticed that we can not take backpacks into St. Marks Basillica and that photographs are not allowed. Do they have a secure and safe bag check location? Can we take in our large camera and wear it around our neck if we just don't take pictures? Can we take backpacks on the Doge Palace with Secret Tour? Can we take pictures in the Doge Palace? Does Doge Palace have a dress code? Can you get reservations for the bell tower? Thanks!!
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
These are the rules for the Doge's palace: Cloakroom Bulky bags, rucksacks, umbrellas or any other objects that the staff deem unsuitable cannot be taken into the exhibition areas and must be left at the cloakrooms set aside for this purpose. This service is free. In the case of lost property or damage, the Museum is, upon proof of value, responsible for up to one thousands euro in compensation for goods or property. Clothing Out of respect for others, visitors are not allowed into the museums in beachwear or skimpy clothing; admission will also be denied to those with covered faces. Photographs It is forbidden to take photographs or to film within the museums. Donna
Posted by
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
356 posts
In answer to your question specifically about carrying your camera but not taking any pictures - I was just in Venice and saw numerous people doing this. You'll probably get a warning about no photos, but they'll let you carry the camera. Enforcement of the no photography regulations is surprisingly lax in many places. A note on the St. Mark's bag check - they will only take backpacks and really large bags. They refused to take our messenger bag because it was allowed in the basilica.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34235 posts
1) yes (read your guidebook for the secret) 2) probably not 3) no 4) no
5) yes 6) no
Posted by
southington
64 posts
We took the Doge Palace secret tour October, 2011 and took numerous pictures, as well as other prople doing the same. Not a problem then.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
St. Mark's is very picky about bags. The last time I was there, dozens of people were taking photos inside the Basilica, some even with flash, and no one said anything. I think they are more strict in the museum upstairs and in the treasury. Spend the money for the museum - great views of the nave and close-up views of some of the mosaics from the inside balcony and a beautiful view from the outside one (photos definitely permitted). The best time to be inside is from 11.30 - 12.30 while the mosaics are floodlit. Even when photos are strictly forbidden, you can carry your camera with you - the ONLY exception I've come across in all of Italy is the Borghese Gallery. You can take backpacks into the Doge's Palace. You have to check them before you go to the inner rooms. I can't remember if I had to check my bag before the Secret tour. I have no photos from it, so I know photos are forbidden. You are in a small group, so there's not much chance of sneaking any either. You can take pictures of the courtyard and the golden staircase, the dungeon and the bridge of sighs. no dress code. If you are doing the Secret tour in warm weather, be sure to take a bottle of water and a fan. It gets really hot up there. In the winter, it is freezing cold.