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Night image of the Napoleonic wing.

The legacy left by the French court in the 19th century led to the sacrifice of the church of San Geminiano, Jacopo Sansovino's jewel, to make way for this monument that was to become the new seat of representation for the new sovereigns.
The monumental staircase constitutes the gateway to the important Correr Museum of Venetian History and Art.

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 favor of extending the new Procuratie; however, it seems that this project was carried out to satisfy the then Viceroy and tenant, Bonaparte’s stepson Eugene de Beauharnais.

This building was to become the representative seat of the new sovereigns. Under the Austrian domination, even the Habsburg Court was also hosted here during its numerous visits to Venice. 

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