Full College

The Full College (Venetian: Pien Collegio) was the main executive body of the Republic of Venice, overseeing day-to-day governance and preparing the agenda for the Venetian Senate.

Reception of the Spanish ambassador at the "Hall of the College" (Sala del Collegio) in the Doge's Palace, 1604. Painting by Pietro Malombra

The Full College comprised the Doge of Venice and the rest of the Signoria—the six ducal councillors and the three heads of the Council of Forty—as well as three sets of savi ("sages") with particular responsibilities: the six Savi del Consiglio, the five Savi di Terraferma (responsible for Venice's mainland possessions), and the Savi agli Ordini (responsible for maritime matters).[1] As with other higher magistracies of Venice, restrictions were placed on the eligibility to the office for the savi: the members were elected from the Venetian Senate, served a term of six months, and could not be re-elected to the same office for three or six months thereafter. To ensure continuity, the appointments to the office of savio were staggered, with six-month tenures beginning on 1 October, 1 January, 1 April, and 1 July.[1]

The College met daily, under the presidency of the Doge, but with the Savi del Consiglio setting its agenda. The council read reports and dispatches, gave audience to foreign envoys, and prepared all issues to come to a vote before the Senate. On its own discretion, particularly on pressing matters of finance or foreign affairs, the College could instead send motions to be voted by the Council of Ten.[2]