Surely, you’ve seen many stones in Venice but have you ever considered the story of the Cippo di conterminazione lagunare n. 17? This seemingly simple stone has a rich history. It marks a boundary. This boundary defined the edges of the Venetian Lagoon.
These cippi or boundary stones have silently watched the lagoon transform for over two centuries. The Cippo di conterminazione lagunare n. 17 is one of about a hundred. They were erected by the Serenissima Republic of Venice between 1791 and 1792. The stones marked where the lagoon should remain free. No one could dig, plant, or build within this boundary. This protected Venice. It also prevented the formation of marshes. Marshes were believed to cause “miasmi pestiferi” or malaria.
Originally the cippi were made of terracotta. However, these deteriorated quickly. In the 1800s many were replaced with Istrian stone. The Cippo di conterminazione lagunare n. 17 we see today is likely one of these replacements. The decrees of the Republic punished those who violated this boundary. Building within the lagoon or taking away from the water was strictly forbidden. The authorities believed the waters were Venice’s walls. They defended the city. Allowing too much fresh water could bring “mal aria” or bad air.
The Magistrato alle Acque controlled the waters. They managed and regulated them. Defining this boundary took a long time. Discussions occurred for over two centuries. The nature of the lagoon was always changing. Finding suitable markers was difficult. In 1784, the contermination line was approved. It was drawn on a map. On May 25, 1791, they began placing the stone markers. Each marker had a number. They also had letters showing their purpose. This was to mark the contermination. The current year was also carved into the stones.
These cippi created an imaginary line. This line protected the lagoon’s saltwater. This completed the lagoon’s safeguard. Over the centuries, the boundary was forgotten in part. It was modified and reused. In 1991, a census of the remaining cippi was done. This was for the bicentennial of the contermination. The survey documented their condition and location. Of the original hundred, 87 remained.
In 2020, Carlo Augenti explored the lagoon. He wanted to find the cippi still there. He documented their condition. He found 82 cippi. A Facebook page was created to share his findings. This led to the creation of the Compagnia dei Cippi. This group aims to protect the cippi. They also promote awareness of their importance. An initiative called “Adotta un Cippo” was started. People can care for a cippo by cleaning it. They can also monitor its condition. The Compagnia dei Cippi became a formal movement in 2022. They work to save cippi in danger. They also enhance this dispersed monument. The Cippo di conterminazione lagunare n. 17 stands as a testament to Venice’s history. It also represents its ongoing efforts to preserve its unique environment. It has guarded the lagoon of Venice for over 231 years.