Italy is divided into 20 regions, one of these being the Veneto region, of which the capital is Venice. The regions have semi-autonomous powers from Rome and each region is separated first into provinces, further divided into townships and cities, with each then governed by local councils who subsequently elect a mayor.

The Veneto region is in the north-east of Italy and as well as Venice, includes the cities and towns of Verona, Vicenza and Padua together with Lake Garda and Treviso. The region has a population of approximately four and a half million people (about 8% of Italy’s population) and produces approximately 15% of the country’s exports.

The municipality of Venice is served by a Consiglio Comunale (city council) of 46 members and a city mayor. The council convenes, usually on a Monday afternoon, in the city council office in St Mark’s and is open to the public. The last elections took place in April 2005 resulting in left-of-centre former mayor Massimo Cacciari returning to the post he had held previously from 1993-2000.

The districts in which the comune (municipality) of Venice encapsulates include the 118 islands of the lagoon, plus other islands and mainland territories such as Lido, Murano and Burano, Favaro, Chirignago, Mestre, Marghera and Chioggia.

Did you Know?!?

You can observe the council meetings on Monday Afternoons at the Ca’ Loredan Room in St Mark’s.