In 1866, after Venice became a part of the Kingdom of Italy, the Italians decided to modernize the Arsenal of Venice to help it be able to make steam-powered naval units such as the the "Ironclad" made famous in the American Civil War.  Although the Italians had to make changes to the structure for the new classes of naval vessels, it desired to make sure the historic parts of it remain the same.  This tradition off kepping Venice the same way it was back centuries prior still continues to this day.  Source:  http://www.venicethefuture.com/schede/uk/316?aliusid=316 This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or less.