What happened on March 23 in Venice

According to the Venetian Liturgical Calendar, today is St. Fidelis Martyr’s Day.

- March 23, 1688: Doge Marcantonio Zustinian dies of a sudden illness, at the age of 69 and after three years of ruling and is buried in the church of San Francesco della Vigna; under his ruling the victorious war against the Morea takes place. From an ancient and rich family, the Doge has so moderate customs that he is nicknamed 'San Zuanin'; every week Pope Innocent XI sent him a special blessing. Died in the odor of sanctity, he is said to have taken his last breath while invoking the name of St. Mark.

- March 23, 1937: after 5 years of work, Riva dell'Impero is completed and inaugurated, today Riva dei 7 Martiri.

Taken from 'Almanacco di Venezia -1600 anni ab Urbe còndita' by Andrea Gersich and Edoardo Rubini

Venice, 23rd March 2021