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Venice Carnival Masks: History, Mystery & Craftsmanship
- Create your own unique mask at a mask-making workshop led by an artisan instructor at the Prison Palace in Venice's heart.
- Gain valuable lessons on painting and use different techniques under the guidance of master painters available in English, Italian, French or Spanish.
- Choose from 50+ handmade papier-mâché masks and bring home an authentic Venetian souvenir from Venice!
- Use glitter, paint, and various materials to adorn a traditional Venetian carnival mask, culminating in a stunning masterpiece of your own.
- Create your own unique mask at a mask-making workshop led by an artisan instructor at the Prison Palace in Venice's heart.
- Gain valuable lessons on painting and use different techniques under the guidance of master painters available in English, Italian, French or Spanish.
- Choose from 50+ handmade papier-mâché masks and bring home an authentic Venetian souvenir from Venice!
- Use glitter, paint, and various materials to adorn a traditional Venetian carnival mask, culminating in a stunning masterpiece of your own.
Inclusions
- 1-hour mask decoration workshop
- Professional English, Italian, French or Spanish-speaking mask artisan
- Colors and supplies
- Tip: If using papier-mâché masks, consider pre-priming with white paint for a uniform surface and vibrant colors when painting.
- Pets are not allowed inside the workshop.
- People with back problems or mobility impairments might not find this activity comfortable.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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Combo (Save 10%): 1-Day ACTV Pass + St. Mark's Basilica + Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets
from €61
€54.90
10% off
Smart-toolkit for Venice—skip the lines at the city’s top two sites and travel freely all day.
- Everything you get at Doge’s Palace: Step inside the Doge’s Palace without waiting in ticketing lines and journey through the grand halls of Venetian power, adorned with art by Titian and Tintoretto. Your ticket also grants entry to the Museo Correr, Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana.
- Everything you get at St. Mark’s Basilica: Walk past long lines into St. Mark’s Basilica through a priority entrance and marvel at glittering golden mosaics, centuries-old relics, and the iconic Pala d’Oro. Choose your preferred entry time to enjoy a seamless, crowd-free experience.
- Everything you get with the ACTV Pass: Travel freely across Venice with a 1-day ACTV pass offering unlimited rides on vaporetti across canals and lagoon islands, plus land buses, trams, and the People Mover. It’s a flexible way to explore the city, the Lido, Murano, Burano, and more.
- Why choose this: Start your day exploring Venice’s top two gems—Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s—without queues, then cruise canals, visit islands, or hop on and off across the mainland—all with one value-packed pass.
Smart-toolkit for Venice—skip the lines at the city’s top two sites and travel freely all day.
- Everything you get at Doge’s Palace: Step inside the Doge’s Palace without waiting in ticketing lines and journey through the grand halls of Venetian power, adorned with art by Titian and Tintoretto. Your ticket also grants entry to the Museo Correr, Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana.
- Everything you get at St. Mark’s Basilica: Walk past long lines into St. Mark’s Basilica through a priority entrance and marvel at glittering golden mosaics, centuries-old relics, and the iconic Pala d’Oro. Choose your preferred entry time to enjoy a seamless, crowd-free experience.
- Everything you get with the ACTV Pass: Travel freely across Venice with a 1-day ACTV pass offering unlimited rides on vaporetti across canals and lagoon islands, plus land buses, trams, and the People Mover. It’s a flexible way to explore the city, the Lido, Murano, Burano, and more.
- Why choose this: Start your day exploring Venice’s top two gems—Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s—without queues, then cruise canals, visit islands, or hop on and off across the mainland—all with one value-packed pass.
Inclusions
1-Day ACTV Transport Pass
- 1-day validity from validation
- Access to unlimited ACTV Vaporetti (water buses) in Venice, Lido and lagoon islands
- Access to ACTV land buses within Venice mainland, Mestre, and Marghera; Trams within Venice and Mestre; People Mover (connecting Piazzale Roma to the Tronchetto parking area).
- Access to Trenitalia regional (R & RV) trains within the Venice municipality.
Doge's Palace Tickets
- Skip-the-line entry to Doge's Palace
- Access to Museo Correr
- Access to the Archaeological Museum
- Access to Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana
St. Mark's Basilica Tickets
- Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark's Basilica
Exclusions
ACTV Pass
- Transfers to/from Marco Polo Airport
- ACTV water-bus line no. 16
- Alilaguna and ATVO lines
St. Mark's Basilica
- Guided tour of the Basilica
- Access to Pala d'Oro & Bell Tower
- Meals and personal expenses
Doge's Palace
- Audio guide
- Guided tour
St. Mark's Basilica
- Strict dress code: All guests must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees to enter the basilica.
- Keep your camera tucked away – photography is strictly not allowed at the venue.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- A ramp is available at the Porta del Fiori (Door of Flowers) entrance on the left-hand side of the basilica.
- The Museum on the upper floor of the basilica is served by both a lift and stair lifts.
- The wait time to enter St. Mark's Basilica can vary depending on the time of day and season. During peak times, such as weekends or holidays, the wait may exceed 1–2 hours. To avoid longer queues, it is recommended to arrive early or later in the afternoon.
ACTV Pass
- All ACTV tickets must be validated before each boarding—failing to do so may result in a fine. You can redeem your ACTV voucher at a ticket machine or kiosk.
- The ACTV 1-Day Pass allows you to carry up to 3 items of luggage (total dimensions must not exceed 150 cm).
- The ACTV ticket is valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.
- Children under 6 travel free on ACTV transport and don’t require a ticket.
Doge's Palace
- When you book your tickets, keep in mind that entry to Doge's Palace is valid only for the date selected at the time of purchase.
- The Museum Pass is valid for 3 months from the date of visit to the Doge's Palace. You have to visit all the three museums on the same day within the specified period.
- Please note that the Secret Itineraries, Prisons and Armory are not accessible by wheelchair and pram/stroller.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.4
10,896 ratings
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Guests from United States, France, United Kingdom and over 80 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Ilka-Maria
May 2025Verified booking
Great experience beyond my expectation. Magnificent ceiling pictures in the Marcus duomo and great rooms in the Doge palace. Preparing with the tickets before the visit was the right thing to do.
JULIE
Apr 2025Verified booking
Saint Marks Basilica is absolutely stunning. I have been to Venice a few times but only for the Benalli and have never made it into this church. This time I brought my parents and we did the main sights. It was incredibly busy though, I think the guided tour groups, should be limited to small grouos once in the church. There is just not the room for them. Apart from them, it is absolutely breathtaking, the amount of workmanship and Craft that has gone into this building. Goodness knows how they keep it safe with that level of tourists every day. We did book early, which is advisable as there were no tickets available once you had arrived in Venice. The Doges Palace, had an untied ticket so we could make our own way there when we were ready which I thought was excellent. Once again, such a beautiful building, and very much worth a visit.
stephen
Apr 2025Verified booking
Skipped a massive queue to enjoy a stunning tour around the palace, the craftsmanship on view is amazing. Incredible that some of the artists worked there for 70 years!
Ramona
Apr 2025Verified booking
By booking the events in Venice in advance, we saved a lot of time to experience other beautiful things in Venice.
View original review in German
Stephen
Apr 2025Verified booking
I had no expectation when booking the ticket. I was really happily surprised. Fantastic building and history lesson. It's an amazing place and we spent many hours exploring all of the building and it's contents. I would recommend this place to all. The staff are fabulous and even the cafe is a great post experience chill.
Mark
Mar 2025Verified booking
We did "skip the line" tickets for St Mark's Basilica and the Doges Palace in Venice. All very quick, efficient and easy and saving us lots of time.
Rhoda
Mar 2025Verified booking
Booking online and getting straight in without having to queue was wonderful. It was not too busy so aibwas able to view the rooms and art easily. I was able to stroll through the beautiful palace and enjoy the wonderful rooms and exhibits.
Carol
Mar 2025Verified booking
I would have given "Awesome" as our trip to The Doges Palace was indeed that but we were less impressed by St Mark's Basilica.
Gabriele
Mar 2025Verified booking
I was particularly impressed by the prison wing and the passage over the Bridge of Sighs, which you normally only see from the outside. Of course, the palace is magnificent and impressive. There are great frescoes and lovely details to discover.
View original review in German
ANTIER
May 2025Verified booking
The wire cutter saves an enormous amount of time.
View original review in French
CHRISTOPHER
May 2025Verified booking
Sumptuous palace, interesting explanations, clear path, spacious museum, nice store
View original review in French
Benyapha
May 2025Verified booking
This experience is perfect for visit in Venice old place it nice
Virág
Apr 2025Verified booking
The palace and its paintings and the arms exhibition are magnificent. The Bridge of Sighs and the prison are also super.
This review is translated. Show original review.
Crina
Apr 2025Verified booking
Everything was amazing. But very crowded
Josiane
Apr 2025Verified booking
Easy purchasing process and clear guidelines.
View original review in Portuguese
Natalia
Apr 2025Verified booking
No queues, easy entry and no problems with tickets.
View original review in Spanish
MARIA
Apr 2025Verified booking
The whole expirience!!!!!!!!!!
Andre
Mar 2025Verified booking
Everything went really well. There was no waiting time anywhere.
View original review in German
Marco
Jun 2025Verified booking
Revisited the Doge's Palace after almost 20 years, tour route somewhat reduced compared to the past, good visitor flow management. Acceptable wait at 'entrance.
View original review in Italian
Gianfilippo
Jun 2025Verified booking
Everything went perfectly, one very small sore point, I did not know where to change the reservation to a physical ticket, meeting a conductor in the streetcar and asking her for an explanation, I received a very dry and tending very much to the testy answer just because she told me she was not on duty. I repeat otherwise everything was ok
View original review in Italian
Flavio
May 2025Verified booking
Ticket made online,as soon as I left the station I could download the ticket in the automatic machine.Convenient and fast
View original review in Italian
Alexandra
May 2025Verified booking
The price of the pass for 1 day is good if you want to go to the islands (Murano, Burano, Lido) and also see Venice by water (not to pay for gondollas).
Marta
May 2025Verified booking
I had no problem with the tickets. After reading the reviews I was afraid that they were not valid, but it was all normal. We got in without any problem
View original review in Spanish
Robert
May 2025Verified booking
What I loved the most about this experience was the history of Venice over 1000 years of power. I also never saw so much waeponry in my life and so well preserved. The sizes of the different halls are beyond what anyone could expect. Amazingly well preserved and or restored. Amazing preservation of the prison cells. Really enjoyed the visit.
Peter
May 2025Verified booking
The broad times available [12 - 6] was excellent as opposed to being strictly timed. We also visited the Correr gallery - which was extremely good - to fill in time before we visited the Palace. The Palace itself was extraordinary. So vast as to be overwhelming, so varied as to be challenging.
Make the most of Venice
More than just a costume: The meaning behind Venice Carnival masks
A city of masks, a city of equals
During the Carnival, masks erase identity—no titles, no ranks, just pure anonymity. In historical Venice, this meant that a merchant could chat freely with a noble, and a commoner could dance with an aristocrat. For a brief time, society’s rigid divisions melted away, replaced by a world where anyone could be anyone.
Types of traditional Venice Carnival masks
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The art of Venetian mask making
Traditional craftsmanship: A labor of love
Authentic Venetian masks are still made using time-honored techniques passed down through generations.
Skilled artisans shape them from papier-mâché, a lightweight yet durable material that allows for intricate detailing. Gold and silver leaf add an opulent touch, while delicate hand-painted patterns bring each piece to life. Some masks feature lace, feathers, or Swarovski crystals, elevating them from simple disguises to wearable art.
See authentic mask making
For those interested in experiencing authentic mask-making, Venice has a variety of workshops and ateliers where you can see artisans at work.
Workshops like Ca’ Macana, TragiComica, and Il Canovaccio are celebrated for their commitment to traditional methods and high-quality craftsmanship. They give you a peek into the painstaking process, from molding and drying to painting and decorating. Some even offer hands-on experiences where you can design your own mask—a perfect souvenir infused with history.
Join a mask-making workshop
Modern vs. Traditional
While classic designs like the Bauta, Colombina, and Volto remain timeless, modern artisans are pushing creative boundaries.
Today’s masks incorporate contemporary colors, abstract patterns, and unconventional materials while still honoring the rich Venetian tradition. Whether you prefer the authenticity of an 18th-century-inspired mask or a bold, avant-garde twist, Venetian craftsmanship continues to evolve while preserving its legacy.
Fun facts & myths about Venice Carnival masks
1. Masks were once banned
Believe it or not, masks were so popular (and misused) that authorities had to crack down on them in the 13th century! People took full advantage of their anonymity—think theft, secret affairs, and high-stakes gambling. While bans were put in place, they never fully stopped Venetians from indulging in masked revelry.
2. Gambling in disguise
Venice’s gambling houses weren’t just about luck—they were about secrecy. Masks allowed high-profile players to hide their identities while making (or losing) fortunes. The thrill wasn’t just in the game but in the mystery of who sat across the table.
3. Casanova’s Carnival escapades
The legendary lover Giacomo Casanova knew how to make the most of Carnival. He used masks to slip into exclusive parties, woo unsuspecting women, and even escape trouble. If anyone embodied the free-spirited nature of Venetian masks, it was him!
4. The secret behind the cat mask
Ever seen a Venetian mask that looks like a cat? That’s the Gnaga, and it has quite the backstory. In the 16th century, when homosexuality was illegal, male prostitutes wore these feline disguises to blend in as women and avoid persecution during Carnival. A purr-fect cover!
5. The plague doctor mask wasn’t always festive
The eerie Medico della Peste (Plague Doctor) mask, with its long beak, started as a 17th-century medical tool. Doctors filled the beak with aromatic herbs to protect themselves from disease. Now? It’s one of the most iconic (and slightly spooky) Carnival masks.
6. The artisans behind the magic
The creators of these stunning masks, called mascherari, were once so important they had their own guilds and special protections. Today, they continue to blend tradition with modern artistry, ensuring Venice’s mask-making legacy lives on.
Where to buy authentic Venice Carnival masks?
Stores for handcrafted masks
How to spot fake vs. real Venetian masks
Where to buy authentic masks online
- Ca' Macana: Established in 1984, Ca' Macan is very popular for its high-quality, handcrafted Venetian masks made using traditional techniques. They offer a wide range of designs, from classic to contemporary.
- Venezia Maschere by La Gioia: This workshop has been creating authentic Venetian masks since 1970. The masks here are crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring each piece is unique.
- Original Venice Shop: Known for its exclusive selection of handcrafted masks made by local artisans, Original Venice Shop offers a variety of traditional designs that reflect the rich history of Venetian mask-making.
- Material: Authentic Venetian masks are typically made from papier-mâché, which is lightweight and durable. If a mask feels excessively heavy or is made from plastic or synthetic materials, it may not be genuine.
- Craftsmanship: Look for intricate hand-painted details and embellishments such as feathers or jewels. Mass-produced masks often lack the fine detailing characteristic of true artisan work.
- Certification: Many reputable shops provide a certificate of authenticity or indicate that their products are "100% Made in Italy." This certification ensures that the mask was crafted in Venice by skilled artisans.
For those unable to visit Venice but still wishing to own an authentic piece, several online shops offer genuine Venetian masks:
- Venezia Maschere: Has a wide selection of handcrafted masks with the option for international shipping. Website: Venezia Maschere
- Ca' Macana Online Store: Provides an extensive collection of original Venetian masks crafted in their workshop in Venice. Website: Ca' Macana
- Etsy: A marketplace featuring various independent sellers offering handmade Venetian masks. Ensure you check reviews and seller ratings for authenticity. Website: Etsy Venetian Masks
Frequently asked questions about Venice Carnival masks
Do I need to wear a mask at Venice Carnival?
You don’t have to, but why miss out on the fun? Wearing a mask is part of the magic, letting you fully immerse yourself in the Carnival’s mystique. Plus, many events, like masquerade balls, require one!
Can I make my own mask in Venice?
Yes! Join a mask-making workshop where you can decorate your own mask under the guidance of expert artisans. It’s a hands-on way to take home a unique souvenir.
Do I need to wear a full costume to wear a mask at the Venice Carnival?
Not necessarily! While some attendees don elaborate costumes, you can still fully participate by wearing a beautiful mask with semi-formal attire. For grand masquerade balls, a full costume is essential, but for roaming the streets and attending smaller events, a mask alone will suffice.
How do I choose the right mask for a masquerade ball?
Opt for a half-face mask if the event has a black-tie dress code, or any mask (full-face, half-face, or Venetian character) if it's a themed masquerade party. Consider masks from the Filigree metal range if you wear heavy foundation, as they are breathable and comfortable.
What should I consider when buying a mask?
Comfort is key! Try on different masks to ensure they fit well and allow you to move, eat, drink, and dance easily. Also, inquire with the event host about any specific mask requirements. Avoid plastic masks and instead go for papier-mâché masks that adjust to your face over time.
Can I rent a mask instead of buying one?
Masks cannot be rented for hygienic reasons. It's better to purchase a mask so that you can ensure its cleanliness and comfort.
What are some tips for wearing makeup with a mask?
If you are wearing a mask with a Venetian costume, it is important to prep your make up for wearing a mask. It’s essential to focus on the visible parts of your face. Highlight your lips with a bold color that complements your mask and consider wearing a mask that doesn't detract from beautiful eyes.
Can I wear my mask anywhere in Venice?
Mostly, yes! But some places, like banks or government buildings, may ask you to remove it. Otherwise, you’re free to roam the city in full Carnival style!
From the happy customers
Michelle
United Statesmei, 2025
The highlight of the tour was going up on the rooftop of the duomoand seeing the beautiful views of Milan. The tour of the inside of the church was interesting, but our guide was hard to understand at times and was fairly dry. Of course, the duomo is gorgeous and it was excellent to get more information about some of the details of the beautiful cathedral.
Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets
Jan
Polandmei, 2025
Incredible place. Worth every cent and every minute. I strongly recommend buying audio guide, give you a lot of great information.
Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets
Yolyvette
Canadamei, 2025
The gondola ride was memorable. It took about 30 minutes. We did a mini walking tour beforehand and learned some interesting Venice facts. There was also a virtual experience attraction after the gondola ride that we had to miss.
Venice Classic Gondola Ride
Stephen
mei, 2025
+ 2 more
Perfect way to see Venice . Use it as you would a hop on hop off. From circumnavigating on the 4+5 routes to enjoying the inner mini cruises on the 1+2 no better way to see this exceptional unique city. Also the added bonus of being able to access the islands of Murano and Burano on the same ticket it really is value for money and more.. I would highly recommend 👌it.
Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days
Ulf
mei, 2025
The Vaporettos are simply fantastic. They are punctual, reliable, run frequently and have a very dense network. The app makes it easy to find suitable connections. For strangers, it is sometimes a little confusing to know which pontoon to take.
View original review in German
Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days
Ilka-maria
mei, 2025
Great experience beyond my expectation. Magnificent ceiling pictures in the Marcus duomo and great rooms in the Doge palace. Preparing with the tickets before the visit was the right thing to do.
St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tickets
Julie
United Kingdomapr, 2025
Saint Marks Basilica is absolutely stunning. I have been to Venice a few times but only for the Benalli and have never made it into this church. This time I brought my parents and we did the main sights.
It was incredibly busy though, I think the guided tour groups, should be limited to small grouos once in the church. There is just not the room for them.
Apart from them, it is absolutely breathtaking, the amount of workmanship and Craft that has gone into this building. Goodness knows how they keep it safe with that level of tourists every day.
We did book early, which is advisable as there were no tickets available once you had arrived in Venice.
The Doges Palace, had an untied ticket so we could make our own way there when we were ready which I thought was excellent. Once again, such a beautiful building, and very much worth a visit.
St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tickets
Janet
United Statesmrt, 2025
+ 1 more
The craftsmanship that can never be replicated is mind boggling. Floors, ceilings and stutues. Would be incredible if the original plans exsisted. Not to be missed.
Doge’s Palace Tickets & 11-Museum Pass