Porta della Carta, or in Russian the “Paper Gate,” is the ceremonial entrance from the Doge's Palace to Basilica San Marco. These gates were built by the renowned architect brothers Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon in 1442 by order of Doge Francesco Foscari. They received this name because in those days scribes who drew up petitions on behalf of illiterate residents of Venice were located not far from here.
The Paper Gate is designed in the then-fashionable Gothic style. Above the entrance is a sculptural group by Antonio Bregno: before the winged lion—the symbol of the Venetian Republic—Doge Francesco Foscari kneels, as if taking an oath to serve the interests of the country.
When walking around Piazza San Marco, be sure to pay attention to this unique site—Porta della Carta is one of the few examples of Gothic architecture preserved in the mostly Renaissance and Baroque Venice.
