Encyclopedia •

A mask typically of the fairer sex, particularly appreciated by men for its characteristic of not allowing the wearer to speak. What pleased the women, however, was certainly the aura of mystery and the anonymity that it granted.

Some believe that the name derives from gnau, the sound a cat makes, and it was certainly a disguise that was appreciated by young homosexuals who were forced to hide their sexuality during the rest of the year.

In Venice, high water is always high tide, but high tide is not always high water.

High water in Venice and the lagoon is often annoying, uncomfortable and sometimes harmful — and the current climate change is accentuating the phenomenon in frequency and intensity.

Partecipazio, Angelo or Agnello, tribune of Rialto and wealthy landowner of Eraclea, was chosen as doge for being the real protagonist of the defence against Pepin's attempt to invade the Lagoon.

He was born in 1419 and was 67 years old, the younger brother of the previous Doge Marco.

The derogatory name of ‘Napoleonic Wing’ derives from the decision of Bonaparte to demolish the church of San Geminiano (a very old place of worship which was rebuilt in the XVI century by Jacopo Sansovino) in fav

His teachers were Eustachio Manfredi and Francesco Maria Zanotti but also Iacopo Bartolomeo Beccari, who channelled him towards the study of experimental physics and medicine.

He was almost 75 years old (he was born on 24 October 1601) and belonged to the Castello branch, known as the Iron Gate.

He was 63 years old (he was born in 1507). A cultured man and member of the Accademia della Fama, he eschewed mercantile activities and was a patron of science, letters and the arts.

He was 72 years old (he was born on 3 February 1628) and very rich. He never spoke of women. He was a virgin.

He was 62 years old (he was born on 19 May 1701).