The Consiglio Maggiore – or the Great Council – was the highest authority of the Venetian Republic. It was not, however, an elected body. It was the entire electorate.
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The Consiglio Maggiore
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Palazzo Magno
Palazzo Magno is an early Gothic palace in Venice, from the late 1300s. It is rarely noticed as it is situated in a narrow alleyway.
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The Doge
The doge was the elected head of the Venetian Republic. He was elected for life by an arcane process that also included drawing lots.
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Why did Venice become a republic?
Venice was a republic from the beginning, but in a time when hereditary power was the norm, why did Venice become a republic and not a monarchy?
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Streets in Venice
Streets in Venice have different names from in the rest of Italy, because Venice wasn’t a part of Italy for most of its history.
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Why did Venice get rich?
Venice was rich. The wealth came from long distance trade, which relied on the geographical position of Venice.
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The Bones of Santa Claus
Santa Claus is dead, and his bones are buried on both Bari and Venice. Most of him rests in Bari in Puglia, the rest in Venice on the Lido.
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Venetian House Numbers
Venice has an unusual system of house numbers. It is a fairly recent addition to Venice, and it has something to do with taxes.
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Marin Falier – doge and traitor
Marin Falier was a doge of Venice, but he was beheaded on April 17th, 1355, for having orchestrated a coup against the state he led
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Venice without the crowds
Venice is normally a crowded place, and that is how most people know it. What most people don’t realise, however, is that important elements of Venice and its history are actually outside the city, in the surrounding lagoon.