He donated a piece of land to the city-state and relocated its shipyard there.

Projects included filling up Rio Batario that ran parallel to the Basilica San Marco which could be found at what is today the half way point of the Piazza.

Ziani hired an engineer to erect two columns (possibly of Greek origin) that stand at the head of the Piazzetta facing the lagoon.

He also hosted Pope Alexander III, the Emperor Frederick I, and the delegation of William II of Sicily for the signing of the Treaty of Venice in July 1177.

Ziani was married to a woman named Cecilia.