The “well-heads” in Venice have become essential decorative elements that characterize and serve as the focal point of the architecture in courtyards, squares, cloisters, castles, and noble palaces. Though they became decorative features, they were actually indispensable for the Venice of the Serenissima, as the city has always faced significant challenges in obtaining drinking water, being situated on a saltwater lagoon. Despite its strategic position in the Adriatic and its long history of trade and prosperity, the city of Venice has always struggled with the supply of drinking water. As the Venetian historian and chronicler Marin Sanudo wrote: “Venice is in water and has no water.” This paradox is due to the fact that the city, built on a series of islands, had no natural sources of fresh water, except for a few areas surrounding the Lido.
The supply of drinking water was vital for the survival and growth of the city. The Venetian authorities, therefore, vigorously promoted the initiative of citizens, especially nobles, to build wells in the city. These wells were complex and expensive structures to construct, which is why only the most influential families could afford to build them and then donate them to the city, gaining prestige and respect in return.
In the early 1300s, the Great Council ordered the construction of around 50 wells. In 1386, the Guild of Water Carriers was established, an organization responsible for water management in the city. This was joined by three distinct magistracies: the Provveditori di Comune, in charge of overseeing construction and maintenance work; the Magistrato delle Acque, which supervised the artificial canal of the Brenta River, an alternative source of fresh water in case of drought; and the Magistrato alla Sanità, responsible for the sanitary aspect of water.
The custody of the wells was entrusted to various entities, including parish priests and district leaders, who held the keys and regulated access to the water. Water was distributed only twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, signaled by the sound of the well bells.
Venetian wells were distinguished by the “vera da pozzo,” a stone element that closed the top of the well and regulated access. Over the centuries, the decoration of the “vere da pozzo” became increasingly rich and sophisticated, with ornaments reflecting the beauty of Venetian art and often bearing the coats of arms of the families who had financed the construction of the wells.
In the mid-19th century, the Venice Municipal Technical Office recorded as many as 6,046 private wells and 180 public wells in the city. However, with the installation of the public aqueduct, this millennia-old tradition began to disappear, and many wells fell into disuse or were closed.
The unique conditions of the Venice Lagoon profoundly influenced the construction of the wells. Since there were no natural sources of fresh water, rainwater was collected and filtered through layers of sand and impermeable clay. Wells were often built in large squares and courtyards, utilizing the natural rainwater catchment areas.
Over the centuries, the decoration of the “vere” became increasingly refined, featuring elements inspired by nature, proud animals, mythological figures, and the coats of arms of the noble families who had financed their construction. The tradition of Venetian wells, with their combination of functionality and artistic beauty, remains an important example of the history and culture of the Serenissima.
