One of Venice's most iconic landmarks is opening its doors for the first time in 500 years after a restoration project by a British architect, revealing its Renaisaance-era architecture and stunning gilt ceilings. The Procuratie Vecchie in St Mark's Square is one of the Italian city's most recognised facades, forming the colonnaded perimeter of the piazza.

But despite being photographed by millions of tourists who descend on the Floating City every year, its interiors have been closed off to the public for centuries. Sir David Chipperfield is leading a renovation project which will see the 150-yard-long building welcoming tourists from April.