Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1498
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama sails around the Cape of Good Hope, and the boom in trans-At-
lantic trade shuts out many Venetian merchants.
1499
To ensure Venice doesn't lose valuable time, a clockwatcher moves into the Torre dell'Orlogio - and
stays there for 500 years.
1508
The Holy Roman Empire, papal states, Spain and France form the League of Cambrai against Venice
- but with Venice cutting side deals, ensuing war doesn't change the map much.
1516
A proclamation declares that Jewish residents of Venice are to live in a designated zone called the
Ghetto, with access to the area closed at midnight by guards.
1564
When noblewoman Bianca Cappello runs of with a Florentine clerk, she is sentenced to death for
treason - but once she becomes the Grand Duchess of Tuscany, all is forgiven.
1571
Venice and the Holy League of Catholic states defeat Ottoman forces at the naval Battle of Lepanto,
thanks in part to a technical advantage: cannons and guns versus archers.
1575-6
Plague claims many lives, including Titian's. Quarantine aids Venice's recovery; a new painting cycle
by Tintoretto is dedicated to San Rocco, patron saint of the plague-stricken.
1609
Venice passes a law deining penalties for casino employees caught cheating: cutting the ears and
nose, plus 10 to 20 years of incarceration.
1630
The plague kills a third of Venice's population within 16 months. With few leaders surviving, Venice
allows wealthy Venetians to buy their way into the Golden Book of nobles.
