Procurator of San Marco

The Procurators of Saint Mark (Venetian: Procuradori de San Marco) were lifelong senior magistrates in the Republic of Venice, holding the second-highest rank after the Doge and serving as custodians of the St. Mark's Basilica's assets, finances, and charitable bequests. Elected by the Senate from noble families, the position, typically numbering nine procurators divided into three colleges (di supra for basilica-centric duties, di citra for districts like San Marco and Castello, and de ultra for areas including San Polo), conferred immense prestige, with many incumbents later ascending to the dogeship and wielding influence over Venetian fiscal policy and public welfare.