La Serenissima

  • Sestiere – sestieri

    Sestiere – sestieri

    Venice is divided into six sestiere whose origin is as old as the city of Venice itself. As far as we know, they have always been there.

    Posted in: .
  • Fanti da Mar – a historical re-enactment

    Fanti da Mar – a historical re-enactment

    The ‘fanti da mar’ were a corps of naval infantry of the Republic of Venice. Today a group of enthusiasts re-enact the ‘fanti da mar’.

    Posted in: .
  • The Fall of Venice

    The Fall of Venice

    The fall of Venice on May 12th, 1797, was the result of a war that the Republic of Venice formally wasn’t even party to.

    Posted in: .
  • The Consiglio Maggiore

    The Consiglio Maggiore

    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.

    Posted in: .
  • The Doge

    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.

    Posted in: .