Visdomino of Ferrara


A visdomino was the representative of the Republic of Venice in the city of Ferrara from the late 13th century until 1509.
The first reference to a Venetian visdomino at Ferrara comes from about 1280. The early visdomini were purely Venetian functionaries. Their original task was to monitor smuggling and report any to the Ferrarese authorities. Gradually they expanded their power, frequently interfering in Ferrarese affairs. By the 15th century, the Venetians regarded the visdomino as possessing a customary right to seize contraband. This had its origins in a treaty of 1240 that forbade Ferrara from receiving merchandise direct from the sea. The public authority of the visdomino was finally regularized in the treaty of 1455 between Venice and the Duchy of Ferrara. In this treaty, Ferrara recognized the authority of the visdomino to seize contraband. The visdomino was expelled during the War of Ferrara, but the Peace of Bagnolo that ended the war confirmed the office. After Venice was defeated in the battle of Agnadello on 14 May 1509, Duke Alfonso d'Este expelled the visdomino permanently.

List of ''visdomini''

The dates are the dates of entering office.