Sala dei Filosofi

Directly linked to the Shield Hall, this chamber takes its name from the twelve pictures of ancient philosophers which were set up here in the 18th century, to be later replaced with allegorical works and portraits of Doges. With one's back to the Shield Hall, in the left wall of this chamber one can see a small doorway that led to a narrow staircase, which enabled the Doge to pass rapidly from his own apartments to the halls on the upper floors, where the meetings of the Senate and the Full Council were held. An an important fresco of St. Christopher by Titian decorates said hallway.