Nicolò Donato

Nicolò Donato, also known as Nicolò Donà, was a Venetian merchant and doge whose reign lasted only 35 days.

Before he entered the trade, Nicolò had studied in Padua where he developed his rhetorical skills. Although he acquired a large fortune in his business ventures, he is also remembered for his avarice. Allegedly, on a large and lavish banquet in honor of his election as doge, his parents turned away a number of his relatives from the event in order to save money.

Nicolò was also interested in politics and actively participated in the public life of the Serenissima – he was sent as sindico in Dalmazia, in 1574 he was podestà of Vicenza and in 1575 of Capodistria. He even participated in the famous naval battle of Lepanto (1571) fought against the Ottoman Empire.

Taking advantage of the crisis which broke out of because of an attempt of the Spanish Ambassador to Venice, Alfonso de la Cueva, 1st Marquis of Bedmar to destabilize the Republic and seize Venice, Nicolò Donato was elected for a Doge. However, he died only 35 days after his election, with the Bedmar Conspiracy still raging.

He never married, and left his fortune to his relatives.