But before that time constant structural modification was in progress.

The original palace ran beside the Rio del Palazzo from S.Mark's towers to the Ponte di Paglia, with a wing along the lagoon.

Its width was equal to that from the present Noah or Vine Corner by the Ponte di Paglia to the fifth column from that corner.

Its wing extended to the Piazzetta.

A wall and moat protected it, the extent of its ramparts being practically identical with the extent of the present building.