Venice has paid tribute to the late British historian John Julius Norwich for his extensive efforts to preserve the city’s historic architecture and cultural heritage. A plaque was unveiled on Friday at St George’s Anglican Church, recognizing Norwich’s commitment and enthusiasm in safeguarding Venice’s churches and palazzos.

Norwich, who passed away in 2018, was widely known for his deep knowledge of Venice, exemplified in his 1982 book *A History of Venice*. The work chronicles the city’s development from its earliest settlers in the lagoon through to its rise as a mercantile empire and eventual fall after Napoleon’s conquest.

Beyond his scholarship, Norwich played a significant role in heritage conservation as chairman of the Venice in Peril Fund from 1970 to 2000. The fund was established after the catastrophic flood of 1966 to finance restoration efforts primarily through support raised in the United Kingdom. Under Norwich’s leadership, projects were undertaken to restore notable sites such as the churches of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli and Madonna dell’Orto, as well as the Porta della Carta entrance of the Doge’s Palace.

The dedication ceremony was attended by Norwich’s daughter, author Artemis Cooper, who recalled her father’s enthusiasm for Venice and his ability to uncover lesser-known parts of the city. She noted that Norwich was an engaging guide who made visits memorable, often punctuated with visits to ice-cream shops.

Norwich also foresaw the challenges posed by increasing tourism to Venice. He was critical of the influx of cruise ship visitors who often spent only a few hours in the city without engaging with its history and culture. Cooper highlighted that while cruise tourism generated revenue, it encouraged superficial visits, a concern that eventually led to the Italian government banning large cruise ships from entering the city.

The plaque serves as a lasting testament to Norwich’s dedication to both celebrating and protecting Venice, reflecting his lifelong passion for the city and its preservation.