The current palace was largely constructed from 1309 to 1424 on 9th century origins, designed by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Buon.
It was the residence of the Doge and contained the offices of a number of political institutions. The first floor was occupied by lawyers offices; the Chancellery; the Censors and the Naval Offices. On the second floor were the Grand Council chamber, the Ballot chamber and the Doge's apartments. On the third floor were the Sala del Collegio, where foreign ambassadors were received, and rooms used by the government bodies like the Council of Ten. The building also contains the Bussola chamber, where citizens could submit written complaints; The Sala dei Tre Capi and the State Inquisitor Room.
At the rear of the palace is the Bridge of Sighs.