The Great Council Hall in Piazza San Marco, Venice was used as the meeting place for the ruling body of the Venetian Republic. This council, known as La Grande Assemblea or The Great Assembly, met regularly from 1172 until 1797 when it was abolished by Napoleon.
The Great Council Hall served as a legislative chamber where members of Venice’s nobility and upper class would gather to discuss matters related to government policy, foreign affairs, military decisions and justice. It also acted as a court of law with trials taking place within its walls. During these proceedings laws were passed or amended and sentences were handed down on criminals or those accused of treason against the state.
In addition to its legislative role, the Great Council Hall also hosted many important events such as coronations of doges and other ceremonies associated with major political occasions like marriages and treaties between rival powers. These events were often accompanied by grandiose processions that featured musicians playing traditional instruments such as horns and drums.