Sebastiano Venier Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Sebastiano Venier
Sebastiano Venier at the Battle of Lepanto. Painting by Tintoretto
Doge of Venice
Reign	1577 – 1578
Predecessor	Alvise I Mocenigo
Successor	Nicolò da Ponte

Born	1496 Venice
Died	3 March 1578 Venice
Burial	Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Spouse	Cecilia Contarini
Father	Mosè Venier
Mother	Elena Donà
Religion	Roman Catholicism

Sebastiano Venier (born around 1496 – died March 3, 1578) was a very important leader in Venice. He served as the Doge of Venice from 1577 until his death in 1578. He is most famous for being the main commander of the Venetian navy during the Battle of Lepanto.

Early Life and Career
The Battle of Lepanto
Becoming Doge
Family and Death
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and Career

Sebastiano Venier was born in Venice around the year 1496. His parents were Moisè Venier and Elena Donà. From a young age, he started working as a lawyer. Even though he didn't have a formal law degree, he was very good at it. Later, he became an administrator for the government of the Republic of Venice. This meant he helped manage the city's affairs.

In 1570, he was chosen as a procurator of St Mark's. This was a very important job in Venice, like being a high-ranking official. In December of the same year, he became the capitano generale da Mar. This title meant he was the top commander of the Venetian navy. He took over this role during a new war against the Ottoman Turks.

The Battle of Lepanto

Sebastiano Venier led the Venetian ships in the famous Battle of Lepanto. This huge sea battle happened on October 7, 1571. In this battle, a group of Christian countries called the Christian League fought against the Ottoman Turks. Venier's leadership was key to the Christian League's big victory. This battle was a major event in history, stopping the Ottoman Empire from expanding further into Europe by sea.

After the war ended and peace was made, Venier returned to Venice. He was seen as a hero by the people.

Becoming Doge

In 1577, when he was 81 years old, Sebastiano Venier was chosen to be the Doge of Venice. The Doge was the chief magistrate and leader of the Republic of Venice. He was elected by everyone, which showed how much people respected him. He served as Doge for a short time, from 1577 to 1578.

Family and Death

Sebastiano Venier was married to Cecilia Contarini. They had one daughter named Elena Venier.

Sebastiano Venier passed away on March 3, 1578. He was first buried in a church called Santa Maria degli Angeli in Murano. However, in 1907, his remains were moved to the Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo in Venice. This church is a traditional burial place for many Doges.

Images for kids

Coat of arms of Sebastiano Venier
The Victors of Lepanto (from left: John of Austria, Marcantonio Colonna, Sebastiano Venier)
Votive Portrait of Doge Sebastiano Venier by Veronese
Funeral effigy in the Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo