Venetian nobility

Venetian nobility was a privileged social class in the Republic of Venice, primarily composed of wealthy, influential families who held political power and social status. Membership was often inherited and maintained through wealth, marriage, and participation in governance institutions like the Venetian Senate. Nobles enjoyed exclusive rights, significant land and maritime holdings, and opportunities for civic involvement, reinforcing their elite position. The class was tightly organized, with strict rules for entry and privilege, helping Venice sustain a stable, elite ruling class that dominated political, economic, and social life for centuries.