The most surreal place I’ve visited in my life has got to be the Doge’s Palace in Venice.

This used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice, and the seat of the Venetian government for centuries.

The exterior is shaped like a jewel box and exquisitely carved. A very unique design that you can’t find anywhere else.

Here are some photos I took myself:

The real magic happens once you are inside. You are greeted by a series of extravagant chambers with some of the most spectacular interior design. Every inch of the walls and ceilings are covered with exquisite art and decor.

Tintoretto’s Il Paradiso dominates the Chamber of the Great Council. It depicts the souls of the just ascending to heaven while a radiant light is shone on the Doge. It is one of the largest oil paintings in theworld and contains over 500 figures.

Several things will strike you when you are there in person. First, the grandeur is mesmerizing. Like the Sistine Chapel, you are surrounded and immersed in art. But, it’s more intimate and private. Oil paintings, unlike frescos, have a darker hue that creates a more somber atmosphere.

Second, you are in Venice on an island in the middle of the sea. In fact this building sits just on edge of the water and you can see the water from its windows.

The distant sound of seagulls and the realization that you are in the halls of power of once a mighty maritime empire is truly a unique experience. Keep in mind the Venetian Republic was one of the oldest functioning state in modern history. It has existed as an independent state continuously for a thousand years.

And you are also struck by the fact that just next door is the St Mark’s Basilica, one of the most splendid churches in all of Europe.

A close second would be the Ca’ d’Oro (“House of Gold”) on the Grand Canal. An absolute gem. It has a beautiful gothic facade that was once covered in gold sheets.

This used to be one of the most extravagant palazzos on the Grand Canal. Today it is oddly hollow. On the main floor, you can explore its exquisite floor mosaic and look out on the canal. The sound of water, seagulls, and people can be heard from this secluded area. It’s a deeply evocative experience, imagining what life was like for these wealthy Venetian families in a bygone age.

I visited Venice, Florence, Rome, Siena and Pompeii on my trip to Italy in the summer of 2016. For more pictures and insights, check out my short e-book here.