Ludovico Manin

doge of Venice

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June 30, 2026

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Ludovico Manin was the last doge of Venice, serving from 1797 until Napoleon Bonaparte conquered northern Italy and deposed him. The office of doge was the highest official in the republic of Venice for over a thousand years, symbolizing the state's sovereignty.1

Initially, the doge's power was extensive, but by the 12th century, the aristocracy imposed strict limits. The doge was chosen from ruling families and held office for life, but governmental functions were increasingly handled by constitutional bodies. By the 15th century, the doge was a prince subject to the law. The Venetian republic's end came after the French Revolution, with Napoleon deposing Manin in 1797, after which Venice was handed over to Austria.12

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Venice
End of the Venetian republic
…Venice without an ally, and Ludovico Manin, the last doge, was deposed on May 12, 1797. A provisional democratic municipality was set up in place of the republican government, but later in the same year Venice was handed over to Austria.
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…Venice without an ally, and Ludovico Manin, the last doge, was deposed on May 12, 1797. A provisional democratic municipality was set up in place of the republican government, but later in the same year Venice was handed over to Austria.
Read More