Palazzo Ducale di Venezia
The Palazzo Ducale', or Doge's Palace, was a large, palace adjoining the Basilica di San Marco, in Venice.
Built to protect the Doge, the ruler, of Venice; the Palazzo Ducale was an imposing structure with high, unscalable walls and a guarded main entrance. The palace not only housed the Doge, but also served as a prison of sorts, as they really left the building's walls.
In 1485, a Templar plot to gain the allegiance of the Doge of Venice – Giovanni Mocenigo – had turned to one of assassination, with Carlo Grimaldi chosen to poison him within the Doge's own chambers. The Assassins utilised Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine in order to bypass the palace's high walls altogether.
Following the death of Giovanni and his successor, Marco Barbarigo, Agostino Barbarigo became Doge, and continue to utilise the Palazzo Ducale as his personal residence.