Lido: Malamocco

In 742 the Venetians transferred their political centre from Eraclea (where the first doge was perhaps elected) in the northern lagoon to Malamocco. There it remained until 812 when it was moved to the Rialtine islands. 

At the beginning of the 12th century (c. 1107) Malamocco was submerged by a tidal wave, following an underwater earthquake, and the settlement was moved from the seafront to where it is situated today.

Malamocco had its own podesta (governor), whose 15th century Palazzo del Podesta still stands. To one side of the palazzo lies the Campo della Chiesa, home to two vere da pozzo (well-heads). The hexagonal well-head dates back to 1589, while the other is a century older. 

On the east side of the Campo della Chiesa stands Santa Maria Assunta, which was founded in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 16th century. The church was originally dedicated to Madonna della Marina (Our Lady of the Sea). 

To the south of the church is the Piazza Maggiore, home to another hexagonal well-head, dated 1537. 
The church of Santa Maria Assunta, Malamocco, Venice
Santa Maria Assunta
Palazzo del Podesta, Malamocco, Lido di Venezia
Palazzo del Podesta