The Procession in Piazza San Marco during the 16th century

The Procession in San Marco was part of a characteristic ritual which documented a fundamental aspect of the life of The Republic. The Doge, according to Byzantine tradition, was invested not only with political office but also, viewed from a certain aspect, religious. In this print by Giacomo Franco (1550-1620) the long four poster bed indicates the route of the procession which started from the Porta del Frumento of the Ducal Palace towards The Wharf and, after completing a round of the Piazza, finished in the Basilica of the Porta di Sant'Alipio. Church, Palace and Square, were brought together in architectural space and harmony to form a ceremonial and simbolic unit.