Porta della Carta

Porta della Carta is a Gothic marble gate at the Doge's Palace in Venice with intricately carved stone details across its white gleaming surface. The portal features numerous sculptures, decorative elements, and architectural ornaments extending from ground level to its upper sections.

The portal was built between 1438 and 1442 by the brothers Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon and served as the main entrance for administrative functions of the Doge's Palace. It was created during a period when Venice wanted to display its political and artistic power.

The sculptures depict Justice holding a sword and scales, along with the Lion of Saint Mark, representing the power and legal authority Venice held. These figures still dominate the entrance today and communicate the values the city wanted to project to visitors and officials.

The portal is located at the exit of the Doge's Palace museum and is the last thing visitors see after their tour. It is easily accessible and can be viewed from outside at no cost, even if you don't visit the interior of the palace.

The name refers to a historical location beside the entrance where government scribes processed official documents and managed state archives. Today the name still recalls this medieval administrative role that was inseparable from the gateway itself.