Canals, carnival, vaporetti, gondolas, cicchetti: we are obviously talking about Venice. Among the many peculiarities of this extraordinary city, one in particular is hidden in its second name, “la Serenissima”. This is not a simple poetic nickname: for centuries Venice was an independent Republic, led by the Doge, called “most serene” for his ability to guarantee balance and stability and, consequently, the city also became “most serene”. Another explanation comes from the military history of Venice. For centuries the city, during the period of maximum expansion, dominated the Adriatic and then the Mediterranean, winning decisive wars and protecting its trade. This force guaranteed stability and security to the Venetians, creating the image of a truly “serene” city.
The date of the foundation of Venice is conventionally traced back to the 5th century AD with the construction of the church of San Giacomo on what was the island of Rialto. Between myth and legend, in reality the birth of the city was a gradual process that most likely began in the 6th century, with the migrations of the Venetian inhabitants to the islands of the lagoon to escape the barbarian invasions, especially the Lombard ones. Gradually the settlements consolidated, giving rise to a complex urban fabric made up of canals, stilt houses, plots of land and bridges, as well as a thriving and lively commercial activity. In 697, the Republic was born, governed by Paoluccio Anafesto, the first Doge in the history of Venice. This figure acted as head of state and government, and remained the symbol of the city until May 12, 1797, the day of the fall of the Republic. It is said that the Doge was defined as “most serene” by its inhabitants and that consequently the city he governed was defined as “most serene” like him, so much so that, starting from the 17th century, it was renamed the Most Serene Republic of Venice.
Another theory relating to this nickname is linked to his military history. In order to safeguard the trade routes between the 9th and 11th centuries, Venice waged several wars that ensured complete dominion over the Adriatic. With the Crusades and trade towards the East it became increasingly stronger and between the 12th and 13th centuries it managed to extend its influence, obtaining supremacy over the Mediterranean Sea and arriving at a clash with Genoa which lasted until the 14th century, when, after emerging victorious, Venice began its expansion on the mainland. At this point the Venetian Republic, now a Maritime Republic which had established itself as a nautical and political power, guaranteed total economic and social stability in its domains, allowing anyone to live in total serenity.
Furthermore, thanks to a justice system considered among the most efficient of the time, Venice offered its inhabitants a rare sense of peace and security. The city was also famous for its hospitality: accustomed to meeting people from every corner of the world, the Venetians tolerated customs and behaviors that were frowned upon elsewhere, such as the presence of courtesans, an integral part of lagoon social life.
“La Serenissima” is not only the romantic name of the most famous lagoon center in the world, but the recognition of a profound identity: that of a city that was able to build its splendor on the harmony between institutions, economy, culture and the sea. Venice invites us to rediscover serenity not as an absence of movement, but as an awareness of its history and its role in the world: remaining “Serenissima” despite always finding itself at the center of the great mercantile, cultural and geopolitical currents of the past and, in a certain sense, also in the present, continuing to stay afloat despite the aggressive overtourism that threatens its identity and cosmopolitan soul.
