Incendi di palazzi pubblici e case private a Venezia nel Rinascimento: dalla distruzione ai processi di ricostruzione

In the mythical elaboration of its origins Venice links the specific character of its settlement not only to the protective and at the same time dangerous presence of water, but also to the destruc- tive/renovating power of fire. Although the materi- al connotations of Venetian building improved pro- gressively over the centuries, the risk of fire was an inexorable disaster for a long time. For Venice fires were almost the only traumatic events able to change the urban setting profoundly. Thus they constituted an opportunity of change for the city, bring- ing out its ability to react. Moreover, they are events which enable the behaviour and mentality of Vene- tian society to be highlighted. The essay illustrates some emblematic cases of public architectonic com- plexes and private buildings destroyed by fire and then rebuilt during the Renaissance. The analysis focuses on the choices made at the time of rebuilding, on the methods and consequences it all had on the materiality of the buildings, their shape and on the urban context.