Conference of Antonio Lazzarini

"Piling innovative foundation in Venice end Cinqucento. In the margins of the restoration of the Rialto Bridge"

Introduction: Leopoldo Pietragnoli, journalist, essayist
Speaker: Antonio Lazzarini, historical

Recent surveys conducted in preparation for the restoration of the Rialto Bridge made it possible to deepen the knowledge of the construction techniques applicable in Venice, starting from those very innovative undertaken by Antonio Da Ponte in the realization of his work. Technical however strongly contested by many architects and builders of the time; such as that of the inclined stones in the two supporting pylons of the main arch. Other aspects, remained obscure until now, it was possible to clarify about the size and placement of the pilings, the existence or not of caranto, the number and quality of poles used, the supply of timber in the city and in the Mainland.

Antonio Lazzarini studies the Veneto area in its territorial, economic, social, demographic, focusing on the connections between human action and environmental transformations. In particular on the history of the woods, he is currently studying their management by the Serenissima between sixteenth and eighteenth centuries; in particular the use of wooden pilings in the foundation in Venice and in shipbuilding in the arsenal of the city.

Leopoldo Pietragnoli is counsel and secretary of the Order of Journalists of the Veneto. A scholar of history, the author of books and essays, has also collaborated on the twentieth century to the volume of the "History of Venice" of the Italian Encyclopedia.