This is the story of a “Phoenix” rising from the waters and not from the ashes. It is October 18, 1785. Venice is celebrating, the next day is the launching of the warship named “Fenice“. The “Fenice” is the flagship of the Serenissima Navy. The ship mounts 74 cannons and in size and armament, has few rivals at that time.
However, due to the excessive weight of the cannons loaded to arm her, the ship takes on water. It is therefore decided to break the moorings and take her to the Spignon Channel (in the Alberoni area of the Lido) for sinking. After vain attempts at salvage, she lies on the bottom of the lagoon for three years. In 1788, the salvage was entrusted to Senator Giovanni Zusto. Under his direction and command, the commission in charge checks the attempts previously made and employs new models and methods to bring the Venetian warship to light. Zusto thus succeeds in the great feat of “fishing out” the Fenice with its 74 cannons.
To celebrate the great feat, a laudatory volume is printed, in which seven large engravings by Giuseppe Daniotto, based on drawings by Giuseppe Cason, describe the ship in detail and illustrate the mechanical technologies adopted in the salvage. A great book for a great story!
Website: www.segnineltempo.com
Location: Calle Lunga San Barnaba, Venice
