The Marcello family has been in the Venetian public eye for over a thousand years. On 20 December 982, Pietro Marcello signed an agreement to donate the Island of San Giorgio to the Benedictine order.
The family flourished in the 15th century. During that time, renowned humanist Jacopo Antonio conquered Verona, Ferrara and Garda, and freed Brescia in 1483. Twenty years later, another Jacopo Antonio conquered Puglia and died while capturing Gallipoli.
After serving as ambassador in Trebisonda and baylo in Constantinople, Nicolò became San Marco’s procurer, and on 13 August 1473 was elected Doge. During his mandate, Caterina Cornaro donated Cyprus to the Republic of Venice.
Two centuries later Lorenzo – who spearheaded the fleet in the ruinous battle of the Dardanelles in 1656 – earned the most significant victory that the Venetian army had achieved after Lepanto.
The family tree also includes two well-known musicians: Benedetto (1686-1739), who was held in great esteem by Bach and is considered the initiator of modern music; and Alessandro, who is remembered to this day for his oboe concert.
In the 19th century, Andriana Zon, wife of Alexander – mayor of Venice under Austrian rule – gave new impulse to traditional lace making, and founded a school in Burano, which is now a museum. And finally, Alessandro (1894-1980) was a renowned botanist and leading figure in the cultural, social and political life of the city.