Foscari

Foscari is a surname of Italian origin, most notably associated with the Foscari family of Venice. This influential aristocratic family rose to prominence during the medieval and Renaissance periods. The most famous member of the family was Francesco Foscari, who served as the Doge of Venice for an unprecedented 34 years, from 1423 to 1457. His long tenure as Doge was marked by significant military campaigns and territorial expansion for the Venetian Republic, though it also saw considerable internal strife and personal tragedy.

The family's wealth and power were rooted in maritime trade and banking. They were patrons of the arts and sciences, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Venice. The Palazzo Foscari, located on the Grand Canal, remains a magnificent example of Venetian Gothic architecture and a testament to the family's status. While the direct male line of the Foscari family eventually died out, the legacy of Francesco Foscari and his family continues to be remembered in Venetian history and the architectural splendor of their former residence. The surname itself can be found in Italy and among descendants of Italian emigrants worldwide.