The Zecca mint has a long and fascinating history in Venice. It was established in 1284 by the Doge Giovanni Dandolo, and originally served as the Venetian state treasury. Over the centuries, it expanded its activities to become one of Europe’s leading mints. From 1310 onwards, coins were struck at the Zecca for international trade with other nations such as England and Germany.
The main purpose of the Zecca was to produce currency for commercial exchange. Coins made from gold, silver and copper were minted at this location until 1645 when production ceased due to lack of demand from foreign markets. In 1724, a new building was constructed on Piazza San Marco which housed the minting operations for a further two centuries until 1866 when it finally closed down. The original building is still standing today and serves as a museum dedicated to showcasing its long history as an important part of Venice’s financial past.
Today, visitors can visit the old Zecca Mint in Piazza San Marco where they can explore its rich history through exhibits featuring ancient coins, engravings and artifacts related to Venetian money-making techniques over time.