Michele Morosini

Michele Morosini was born into one of the wealthiest families in Venice. At the time when the city suffered from the devastating effects of the War of Chioggia (1378-1381) fought against Genova, Morosini was considered one of the wealthiest men in Republic.

That affected the divided opinion of him – on the one hand he is seen as a devoted servant of the state, while on the other he was considered a speculator who enriched himself on real estate during the wartime. It is known for his alleged statement: “What matters the fall of Venice, so long as I am strong”. He was married to Cristina Condulmiero.

In 1382 he was elected the Doge, but died three months later of the plague along with 20,000 other Venetians. His splendid tomb in Santi Giovanni e Paolo reflects his personal wealth through the elaborate use of sculpture, painting, and mosaic.