Off-The-Beaten-Path Churches of Venice

10 churches in Venice you might not see on your popular things to see lists.

"If you read a lot, nothing is as great as you’ve imagined. Venice is – Venice is better."

Ernest Hemingway - from "Across the River and into the Trees -

 

(Darrell Potts - 3/29/23)     

You won't find Venice in any guidebooks.  You won't discover its beauty in an Instagram feed.  Rick Steves isn't going to introduce you to the real city with a checklist.  You'll find Venice at dawn; when the sun softly paints all the terra cotta roofs and chapel towers a brilliant rose - gold.  You'll find Venice on a table in an old cafe, enjoying a glass of wine and croissant on a terrace overlooking the grand canal.   You'll find Venice when you get lost on a long walk - dodging out of the rain, into a quiet chapel at the end of cobblestone alley.  To get lost in Venice, is to find her. 

So, now you might have guessed, my favorite thing to do when traveling (and especially so in Venice) is to just roam around exploring the less-walked cobblestone alleys and the lost corners of the city.   I like to get away from the crowds (at least for a few hours), and see things that aren't on all of the Instagram checklists.  I like to listen to the sounds of the city; a startled alley cat, a gondolier warming up his opera voice for a day of serenades, a cafe owner sweeping the cobblestones under her outdoor tables.   I like to walk into the ancient churches when the door is unlocked, quietly stepping inside, maybe even stopping to sit in a pew for a minute, thankful for everything...  I like to go slow; really slow.   Life is fast.  I remind myself this is a moment I don't want to hurry through. 

I've been lost in Venice several times, which is several too few.  One thing I sometimes regret is not knowing a little more about what I'm seeing. I'm not talking about map knowledge, or geography.  I just wonder about the history of a place; the stories, they myths, the tales.   Nowhere is this more true than in ancient places of worship.  Marriages, funerals, the crowing of doges - eras overlapping.  The popes who ruled Italy - and the world.  "Maybe Hemingway sat in this pew, or that one, developing a story idea, or writing prose" I wonder, "the sunrise climbing across the cobblestone courtyard - chasing the shadows into the alleys... that might have inspired the violin of Vivaldi's spring in The Four Seasons!"  "Did Mozart play that organ?" 

Sometimes, I learn more about my walks after I get home.  I take a lot of pictures, so that gives me just enough information about where I went to learn more about it.   One thing that I try to remember to do is take pics of the plaques in front of the churches.  Even though I don't read Italian, I can look up the names when I get back home (or in my room later that night), and learn all about them.  When a church has lived in a community for a few hundreds years, it typically has some stories to tell.  This little piece is to give you just a little information about a few of the lesser known churches you might see while you're following a canal around a corner.  It's a small sample - just 10 of the 130 churches in Venice.  But these are ones I've visited on my walks through the city.  I hope to see many more in the future.  

These aren't necessarily my favorites.  They just happen to be the ones I've stumbled upon while lost in Venice.  

*I will give you one bit of exploration advice;  try to go exploring at sunrise at least once - its amazing.  The morning sun lighting up the terra cotta roofs and the emerald canals is magical.  You won't ever forget it.  And make sure to bring your camera.   The breathtaking nature of the beauty is elusive - you won't quite capture it - but you might just get close enough to be able to spark a great memory when you're back home.   

 

There are approximately 130 churches in Venice.  Each of them hold priceless art, cultural treasures, and incredible historical significance.  Any of the 130 outside of Venice would be an   When researching these churches, I came across this website. It has information on 129 different churches in Venice - It's absolutely fantastic!  I will have this link saved on my phone the next time I'm exploring Venice so I can look up churches as I come across them. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SITE!     

CHURCHES OF VENICE:  http://churchesofvenice.com/venchurches.htm 

*pics from google maps

 

 

1) The Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

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The Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli is a beautiful 15th-century church located in the Cannaregio district of Venice. Here are some interesting facts about this church:

  •  The church was built in the 1480s by Pietro Lombardo, a famous Renaissance architect and sculptor.
  •  The exterior of the church is decorated with intricate marble inlays in shades of pink, white, and gray, creating a stunning geometric pattern.
  •  The interior of the church is small but incredibly ornate, with colorful frescoes and intricate wood carvings.
  •  One of the most notable artworks in the church is the altarpiece depicting the Madonna and Child with Saints by Giovanni Bellini, a famous Venetian Renaissance painter. This altarpiece was painted in the late 15th century and is considered one of Bellini's masterpieces.
  •  Another notable artwork in the church is a series of 10 paintings by Vincenzo Catena depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. These paintings were completed in the early 16th century.
  •  The church has several notable tombs, including those of Doge Pietro Mocenigo, a former leader of Venice, and members of the Corner family, a prominent Venetian family.
  •  In addition to its artistic and architectural treasures, the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli is also famous for its supposed miraculous powers. According to legend, a woman was cured of a serious illness after praying to a painting of the Virgin Mary that was housed in the church. As a result, the painting was renamed the Madonna dei Miracoli (Madonna of Miracles), and the church became a popular pilgrimage site.

Here are a couple of stories about this one:

•  According to the legend, in 1480, a local woman was accused of adultery and sentenced to death by drowning in the Grand Canal. She prayed to the Virgin Mary, asking for her intercession, and miraculously, she was able to float to the surface of the water, unharmed. This event was seen as a sign of divine intervention, and a small chapel was built on the site where the woman was rescued. Over time, the chapel was replaced by the current church, which was completed in 1489. The church is also said to have healing powers, and many Venetians still come here to pray for miracles to this day.

•  As this story goes, in the early 16th century, a woman came to the church to pray before the image of the Virgin Mary painted on the high altar. She was deeply troubled by the fact that she was unable to have children, and she asked the Virgin Mary to intercede on her behalf.

As the woman was praying, she heard a voice telling her to go to the nearby church of San Giovanni Elemosinario and make an offering at the altar of Saint John the Baptist. She did as she was instructed, and within a year, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The woman was so grateful for the miracle that she returned to Santa Maria dei Miracoli with her child and presented him to the image of the Virgin Mary.

This story, which is known as the "Miracle of the Child," has been depicted in various works of art over the centuries, including a painting by the Venetian artist Tintoretto, which can be seen in the sacristy of the church. The painting shows the woman and her child standing before the image of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by a group of astonished onlookers.

The Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli has several notable relics, including:

  1. The painting of the Madonna dei Miracoli, which was believed to have miraculous healing powers and attracted many pilgrims to the church.

  2. The tomb of Doge Francesco Donà, a powerful Venetian ruler who commissioned the construction of the church.

  3. A series of frescoes by Renaissance artist Girolamo Tessari depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.

  4. A wooden statue of St. Roch, a popular saint during the time of the Black Death.

  5. The altar of the Holy Cross, which contains a fragment of the True Cross.

These relics add to the historical and religious significance of the church, making it a popular destination for visitors and worshippers alike.

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2) The Church of San Zaccaria

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One of the oldest churches in Venice, San Zaccaria was founded in the 9th century and rebuilt several times over the centuries. It houses a number of important artworks, including Giovanni Bellini's "San Zaccaria Altarpiece" and Jacopo Tintoretto's "Last Judgment."       The Church of San Zaccaria is another beautiful and historic church in Venice, located near the eastern end of the city. Here are some details about the church:

  • The church was founded in the 9th century and was reconstructed in the 15th century in the Venetian Gothic style.
  • The church has numerous notable artworks, including a series of paintings by Giovanni Bellini, one of the most important Renaissance painters in Venice.
  • Famous historical figures associated with the church include Doge Andrea Contarini, who was buried there in 1382, and Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine, who attended a mass there in 1797.
  • The church is also known for its association with the noble Cornaro family, who were patrons of the arts and funded much of the church's decoration.
  • The church has a unique feature of having two choirs: one for the nuns and one for the congregation.
  • Legend has it that a nun who fell in love with a painter became the subject of the famous painting "The Nun" by Giambattista Tiepolo, which can be seen in the church's sacristy.
  • The church also has a crypt, which contains the remains of various saints and is adorned with impressive frescoes.

Some interesting stories about the Church of San Zaccaria:

  1. It is said that when the church was being rebuilt in the 15th century, the Cornaro family, who were funding much of the construction, requested that their family crest be included in the church's decoration. However, the architect, Mauro Codussi, mistakenly included the crest of the rival Contarini family instead. When the Cornaros discovered this, they were furious and demanded that the crest be removed. However, Codussi had already completed the work, so the Cornaros had to accept the Contarini crest in their family chapel.
  2. According to legend, a nun named Marietta Robusti fell in love with the painter Tintoretto, who was working on a painting of the Last Supper in the church. The nun would secretly visit Tintoretto in his studio and bring him food and wine. When the other nuns discovered their relationship, they punished Marietta by locking her in a cell. Tintoretto was so upset by this that he painted a portrait of Marietta as the Madonna and child, which can be seen in the church today.
  3. The Hidden Treasure of San Zaccaria: Legend has it that during the Renaissance, the powerful Gonzaga family hid a vast treasure inside the walls of the church. The treasure was never found, but some believe that it still lies hidden somewhere in the church.

Relics of San Zaccaria:

  1. Relic of St. Zacharias: According to tradition, the church houses the arm bone of St. Zacharias, the father of St. John the Baptist.

  2. Relic of St. Elizabeth: The church also has a relic of St. Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Baptist.

  3. Relic of St. Athanasius: The church has a relic of St. Athanasius, a prominent theologian and bishop of Alexandria in the 4th century.

  4. Relic of St. Lucy: The church also has a relic of St. Lucy, a Christian martyr who was killed in the Roman Empire in the 4th century.

  5. Relic of the Holy Cross: The church has a fragment of the Holy Cross, which is believed to have been part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

These relics are kept in ornate reliquaries and are displayed during certain religious festivals throughout the year.

3) Church of San Giovanni in Bragora

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The Church of San Giovanni in Bragora is a beautiful and historic church located in the Castello district of Venice, Italy. Its simple exterior belies the stunning artwork and treasures housed inside, including works by famous artists such as Carpaccio and Veronese.

  •  The Church of San Giovanni in Bragora is located in the Castello sestiere of Venice, Italy.
  •  The church was originally built in the 8th century, but the current building dates back to the 15th century.
  •  The church has a Byzantine-style façade and a beautiful interior with frescoes and artwork by famous Venetian artists.
  •  The church's bell tower is one of the tallest in Venice, standing at over 45 meters.
  •  The church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and is said to house relics of the saint.
  •  Famous Venetians such as Doge Andrea Gritti and composer Antonio Vivaldi are said to have been baptized in the church.
  •  The church has been mentioned in literature, including in Ernest Hemingway's novel "Across the River and into the Trees."
  •  The church suffered damage during World War II, but was later restored.

Here are two interesting short stories about the church:

  1. According to legend, Saint John the Baptist himself appeared in the church to a group of nuns who were praying for his intercession during a plague in the 14th century. The nuns claimed that they saw the saint holding a banner that read "Peace be with you, daughters." After his appearance, the plague miraculously disappeared from the area around the church.
  2. The famous Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi was baptized in the Church of San Giovanni in Bragora in 1678. Vivaldi's father was a violinist at the nearby church of San Marco, and Vivaldi himself went on to become a renowned musician and composer. Today, the church has a plaque dedicated to Vivaldi near the baptismal font.

Some important relics of the San Giovanni in Bragora:

  1. Reliquary of Saint John the Baptist: The church's most important relic is a bone fragment from the forearm of Saint John the Baptist, which is housed in a beautiful reliquary.

  2. Reliquary of Saint Ursula: This reliquary contains the skull of Saint Ursula, a legendary Christian saint who was martyred in the 4th century.

  3. Reliquary of Saint Sebastian: This reliquary contains the bones of Saint Sebastian, a Christian saint who was martyred in the 3rd century.

  4. Reliquary of Saint Lucy: This reliquary contains the skull of Saint Lucy, a Christian martyr who lived in the 4th century.

  5. Reliquary of Saint Blaise: This reliquary contains the bones of Saint Blaise, a Christian saint who was martyred in the 4th century.

These relics are all considered to be important treasures of the church and are revered by the faithful who come to visit the church.

4) Church of San Francesco della Vigna

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Located near the Arsenale, this church was founded in the 13th century and rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 16th century. It contains a number of notable works of art, including a series of paintings by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and the tomb of doge Francesco Morosini.

  •  The Church of San Francesco della Vigna is located in the Castello district of Venice, Italy.
  •  It was built in the 16th century by the architect Jacopo Sansovino.
  •  Galileo Galilei was a regular visitor to the church and was a friend of the church's rector, Father Orazio Grassi.
  •  Composer Antonio Vivaldi was a priest at the church from 1703 to 1711.
  •  The church is named after Saint Francis of Assisi and the surrounding vineyards.
  •  The facade features marble statues by Alessandro Vittoria and Andrea Palladio.
  •  Inside the church, there are works of art by famous artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, and Palma il Giovane.
  •  The church's bell tower is the tallest in Venice, standing at 75 meters (246 feet) high.
  •  In the 19th century, the church was the site of political rallies and speeches.
  •  The church was damaged during World War II but has since been restored.

Two interesting short stories about the Church of San Francesco della Vigna are:

  1. The church is said to contain a relic of Saint Francis of Assisi's cloak, which is believed to have been given to the church by the saint himself. The relic is kept in a silver reliquary and is displayed to the public on special occasions.
  2. The church is also the final resting place of the Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi. Vivaldi was buried in a simple grave in the church's cemetery, which was lost for centuries until it was rediscovered in the 20th century. In 1939, Vivaldi's remains were exhumed and reburied in a more prominent location within the church, where a monument now marks his grave.

Some of the most important relics in the Church of San Francesco della Vigna include:

  1. The tomb of Jacopo Sansovino, a renowned Italian sculptor and architect who contributed to the church's design.
  2. The tomb of Giovanni Bellini, a prominent Venetian Renaissance painter who was commissioned to create several artworks for the church.
  3. The tomb of Pietro Bernini, a sculptor who was the father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the most famous artists of the Baroque period.
  4. The altar dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, which houses a painting by Paolo Veronese depicting the saint with the infant Jesus.

There are also several other artworks, statues, and relics housed within the church, including paintings by other notable artists like Tintoretto and Palma il Giovane.

5) Church of San Pietro di Castello

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Originally the cathedral of Venice, this church was founded in the 7th century and rebuilt several times over the centuries. It is home to a number of interesting artworks, including a cycle of frescoes by Giuseppe Angeli and a number of tombs of important Venetians, including doge Andrea Dandolo.

  •  The church dates back to the 7th century, and was the cathedral of Venice until 1807.
  •  It is located on the island of San Pietro, which was once the center of religious and political power in Venice.
  •  The current building dates back to the 16th century, and features a mix of Renaissance and Gothic architecture.
  •  The church contains numerous works of art, including a painting by Giovanni Bellini and a sculpture by Antonio Canova.
  •  Famous people associated with the church include Saint Lawrence Giustiniani, who was the bishop of Castello and is buried in the church, and Pope Pius VII, who was held captive in the nearby monastery during the Napoleonic Wars.
  •  The church was also the site of the 1848 siege of Venice, during which Venetian patriots fought against Austrian forces to defend the city's independence.

And here are two interesting short stories about the church:

  •  According to legend, the Venetian Doge Pietro Tribuno had a vision of Saint Peter in the 9th century, telling him to build a church on the island of San Pietro. When Tribuno told his advisors about the vision, they laughed at him and said that the only thing that could grow on the island was weeds. However, when they arrived on the island, they found that a vineyard had miraculously appeared, and the church was built there.
  •  During the Napoleonic Wars, the nearby monastery of San Pietro was used as a prison for political dissidents and other enemies of the French regime. One of the most famous inmates was Pope Pius VII, who was captured by Napoleon in 1809 and held in the monastery for several months. Despite his captivity, Pius refused to renounce his authority as pope, and his imprisonment helped to galvanize support for the Catholic Church throughout Europe. After his release, he went on to play a key role in the Congress of Vienna, which helped to redraw the map of Europe after the defeat of Napoleon.

The Church of San Pietro di Castello is known for its collection of important relics, including:

  1. The skull of Saint Peter Martyr, a Dominican friar who was assassinated in 1252 and is considered a martyr for the Catholic Church.
  2. The skull of Saint Agatha, a Christian martyr who was killed in the 3rd century for her faith.
  3. The finger of Saint John the Baptist, which is said to have been brought to the church from Constantinople in the 9th century.

Other important relics include a piece of the True Cross, fragments of the Holy Sepulchre, and the arm of Saint George.

6) Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

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*This is one of my favorite churches in the world!  It seems like every time I get lost in Venice - exploring the canals and alleys - I eventually end up here.  The Donatello sculpture inside (a wooden depiction of John The Baptist) is one of my favorite works of art anywhere (I'm not an art expert, but there's something about this one that awes me).  I've only recently discovered info about it's legendary organ, Solomon's column, and more of its artwork.  Don't miss this one!   

One of the largest churches in Venice, the Frari was built in the 14th century and is home to a wealth of art treasures. Highlights include Titian's "Assumption of the Virgin," Giovanni Bellini's "Madonna and Child with Saints," and Donatello's tomb of doge Francesco Foscari.

  •  The church is one of the largest in Venice and was built in the 14th century.
  • Statue of St. John the Baptist: The church contains a statue of St. John the Baptist, which was sculpted by Donatello in the 1430s. The statue is located in the first chapel on the left side of the nave.
  •  It houses a number of important works of art by famous artists such as Titian and Bellini.
  •  The church is the final resting place of several notable figures, including Titian himself, as well as Doges and other prominent citizens of Venice.
  •  The choir stalls in the church are considered to be some of the finest examples of Renaissance woodcarving in the world.
  •  The church has a famous pipe organ which is still in use today.

Two interesting short stories about the church:

  1. One of the most famous works of art in the church is Titian's "Assumption of the Virgin" altarpiece, which was completed in 1518. Legend has it that Titian was so pleased with the painting that he signed it, even though it was meant to be anonymous. When the church authorities discovered the signature, they were so impressed that they allowed Titian to sign all of his subsequent works in the church.
  2. The church is also home to a number of interesting architectural features, including a unique brick façade with three tiers of arched windows. One of the most unusual aspects of the church, however, is a small door in the façade that is located just above ground level. This door was originally used by prostitutes who would enter the church discreetly to pray for forgiveness before returning to their profession. Today, the door is no longer in use, but it remains a curious reminder of the church's colorful past.
  3. The Temple of Solomon Column is one of the main attractions in the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli. It is a column made of gray granite, which is said to have been brought from the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. The column is believed to have been a gift from the Venetian government to the church in the 15th century.

    The column is decorated with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Old Testament, including the story of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. It also features a relief of the Lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of Venice, at the top.

    Legend has it that the column has healing powers and that touching it can cure illnesses and grant wishes. Visitors to the church often touch or kiss the column, especially those seeking healing or blessings.


In 1771, when Mozart was just 15 years old, he visited Venice with his father and sister. While in Venice, he attended a Mass at the Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and was invited to play the organ. According to legend, he improvised a piece on the spot that left the congregation stunned. It is said that the music was so beautiful that the priest exclaimed, "Signori, this is not a mortal but an angel who plays the organ!"

  • The current organ was built in 1912 by the Italian organ builder Balbiani-Vegezzi-Bossi, and is considered one of the finest in Italy.
  • The organ has four keyboards and over 3,500 pipes.
  • Many famous composers have played the organ over the centuries, including Claudio Monteverdi, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
  • It is said that the sound of the organ has healing powers, and in the past, people would come to the church to listen to the music in the hope of being cured of their ailments. 

The Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari has several important relics, including:

  1. Tomb of Titian: The famous Renaissance artist Titian is buried in the church, and his tomb is located in the presbytery.
  2. Tomb of Antonio Canova: The neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova is also buried in the church, and his tomb is located in the left transept.
  3. Wooden choir stalls: The church has beautiful wooden choir stalls, carved by Marco Cozzi in the 16th century. The stalls are decorated with scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and other religious figures.
  4. Bell tower: The church has a tall bell tower that was built in the 15th century. It has a unique design, with a double staircase leading to the top.
  5. Artworks: The church is home to many important artworks, including Titian's "Assumption of the Virgin," Giovanni Bellini's "Madonna and Child," and Donatello's "St. John the Baptist."
  6. Organ: The church has a large organ that was built by Gaetano Callido in the 18th century. It has more than 4,000 pipes and is considered one of the best organs in Venice.
  7. Sacristy: The sacristy of the church is home to many valuable liturgical objects, including chalices, reliquaries, and vestments.
  8. Cloisters: The church has two cloisters, one from the 15th century and one from the 16th century, which are both beautiful examples of Venetian Renaissance architecture.
  9. Historical significance: The Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is one of the most important churches in Venice, and has played an important role in the history of the city and the Catholic Church.
  10. Pilgrimage site: The church is also a popular pilgrimage site, and attracts visitors from around the world who come to see the famous artworks and relics.

7) Church of San Sebastiano

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Located in the Dorsoduro district, this church was built in the 16th century and is notable for its frescoes by Paolo Veronese, who is buried inside. Other highlights include a painting by Jacopo Tintoretto and a wooden statue of St. Sebastian by Andrea Sansovino.

  • It was originally built in the 10th century, but was rebuilt in the 16th century in the Renaissance style.
  • The church contains a number of artworks by Paolo Veronese, including a series of large paintings depicting scenes from the life of Saint Sebastian.
  • The organ in the church is one of the largest in Venice, with over 4,000 pipes.
  • The church also contains the tomb of the composer Antonio Vivaldi, who was a priest at the church and is believed to have conducted some of his music there.

And here are two interesting short stories about the Church of San Sebastiano:

  1. Legend has it that the Church of San Sebastiano was built on the site where Saint Sebastian himself appeared to a group of fishermen in a vision. The fishermen had been caught in a violent storm while out at sea, and were certain they would not survive. But then they saw a figure standing on the shore, holding a bow and arrows, and knew that it was Saint Sebastian. The saint guided them safely back to shore, and they built the church in his honor.

  2. In the early 1700s, a man named Luigi Foscari became obsessed with the idea of being buried in the Church of San Sebastiano. He was not a wealthy man, but he was determined to have a grand tomb in the church. He spent years amassing a collection of rare and valuable objects, including a suit of armor and a life-size wax figure of himself, which he planned to place in the tomb. When he died, his family honored his wishes and had the tomb built in the church. Today, it is one of the most elaborate tombs in the church, and visitors can still see the suit of armor and wax figure inside.

Notable Relics:

  1. The church is also known for its unusual relic, a vial of the blood of St. Sebastian, which is said to liquefy and turn into a powder every year on January 20, the saint's feast day.

  2. The church's sacristy is said to contain a collection of strange and macabre objects, including a mummified hand and a wooden leg.

  3. The church's choir stalls are intricately carved with scenes from the life of St. Sebastian, including some rather graphic depictions of his martyrdom.

  4. The church is also rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a monk who was walled up alive in one of the walls during the church's construction.

8) Church of San Giobbe

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Built in the 15th century, this church is notable for its Renaissance facade and interior. Highlights include paintings by Giovanni Bellini, Cima da Conegliano, and Palma il Vecchio, as well as a wooden crucifix by Donatello.

  • The church was built in the 15th century, between 1481 and 1534.
  • It was designed by the architect Mauro Codussi, who was famous for his work on other Venetian churches.
  • The interior of the church is decorated with a number of impressive works of art, including paintings by Giovanni Bellini, Palma il Giovane, and others.
  • The church also houses a number of important relics, including the arm of St. George and the skull of St. Jerome.
  • During the Napoleonic occupation of Venice in the early 19th century, the church was used as a warehouse and stables for the French army. 
  • The church underwent a major restoration in the late 20th century, which uncovered a number of previously unknown frescoes and other works of art.
  • Today, the church is a popular destination for visitors to Venice, who come to admire its beautiful architecture and artworks.

Here are two interesting stories about the Church of San Giobbe:

  1. Legend has it that the church was originally built on the site of a pagan temple, which was dedicated to the goddess Juno. According to the story, when the Christians arrived in Venice, they destroyed the temple and built a church in its place. The pagan influence can still be seen in the church's architecture, which features classical motifs and symbols.

  2. During the 16th century, the church was home to a group of nuns who were known for their beautiful singing voices. It is said that the composer Claudio Monteverdi heard the nuns singing and was so inspired that he wrote a series of madrigals specifically for their voices. These works, known as the "Sacrae Symphoniae," are still performed today and are considered to be some of the greatest works of music from the Renaissance period.

  3. Another unusual story about the church is related to a statue of the Virgin Mary that is said to have miraculous powers. Legend has it that in 1604, a boat carrying a valuable cargo of pepper was caught in a storm off the coast of Venice. The captain prayed to the statue of the Virgin in the Church of San Giobbe, promising to offer a gift of pepper to the church if they were saved. Miraculously, the storm subsided, and the ship was able to dock safely. True to his word, the captain offered the gift of pepper to the church, which was then used to help feed the poor and needy in the surrounding area.

9) Church of San Polo

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One of the oldest churches in Venice, San Polo was founded in the 9th century and rebuilt several times over the centuries. It houses a number of important artworks, including a cycle of frescoes by Tintoretto and the tomb of doge Silvestro Valiero.

  • The Church of San Polo was founded in 837 by the Doges Pietro Tradonico and Orso Partecipazio.
  • The current church building was constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries.
  • The church has a plain brick exterior but a lavishly decorated interior with works by artists such as Tintoretto, Veronese, and Palma il Giovane.
  • The high altar features a painting by Giovanni Bellini called "Madonna and Saints" and is considered one of the artist's finest works.
  • The church also contains a relic of St. John Chrysostom, a saint and bishop from the 4th century.
  • In the 19th century, the church underwent a restoration that involved the removal of much of its baroque decoration, returning it to a more Gothic style.

And here are two interesting short stories about the Church of San Polo:

  1. During the 16th century, the church was home to a famous choir of castrati singers. One of these singers, Baldassare Ferri, was renowned for his beautiful voice and was even compared to the famous castrato Farinelli. Ferri's voice was said to be so angelic that it could move even the hardest of hearts to tears. In fact, it was rumored that his voice was so powerful that it could even heal the sick. Many people would attend mass at San Polo just to hear Ferri sing and receive his blessing.

  2. In the 18th century, the church was the site of a miraculous event. A group of thieves broke into the church one night, intending to steal the silver altar ornaments. However, when they attempted to remove the altar cross, they found that it was inexplicably stuck to the ground. No matter how hard they pulled, they could not remove the cross from its base. Suddenly, the church bells began to toll and the thieves were seized with fear. They fled the church, leaving their tools and the stolen silver behind. The next day, the churchgoers found the cross firmly back in place and believed that it had been saved by a miracle.

  3. Another interesting story associated with the Church of San Polo is that of a group of monks who allegedly discovered a secret passageway beneath the church that led to an underground chamber filled with treasure. The treasure was said to have belonged to a wealthy nobleman who had hidden it away during a time of political unrest. The monks kept the treasure a secret and used it to fund their various projects for many years, until one day the passageway collapsed and the treasure was lost forever. While there is no concrete evidence to support this story, it has become a popular legend associated with the church and has been retold in various forms over the years.

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10) Church of San Stae

LINK TO MORE INFO / HISTORY / PHOTOS

The Church of San Stae in Venice is a hidden gem that shouldn't be missed. Its grand baroque façade, ornate interiors, and stunning artworks by Tiepolo and Piazzetta make it one of the most beautiful and unique churches in Venice, perfect for history and art enthusiasts alike.

  • Church of San Stae is a Baroque-style church located in the Santa Croce district of Venice, Italy.
  • It was originally built in the 11th century and was reconstructed multiple times throughout history, with the current structure dating back to the 17th century.
  • The church is known for its impressive façade and interior, which features works of art by prominent artists such as Gian Antonio Fumiani and Sebastiano Ricci.
  • San Stae also houses several relics, including the body of Saint Eustachio and a fragment of the True Cross.
  • In the 18th century, the church was the site of an infamous exorcism, which was carried out on a possessed nun named Sister Chiara.
  • Another notable event that took place in San Stae was the funeral of the famous Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi, who was buried in an unmarked grave in the church's cemetery.
  • The church is a popular venue for classical music concerts, and visitors can enjoy performances by local and international musicians throughout the year.
  • The Church of San Stae is known for its impressive Baroque organ, which dates back to the 1700s. The organ was built by Gaetano Callido, a renowned organ builder from Venice, and it features three keyboards and more than 3,000 pipes. The organ is still in use today and is considered one of the best Baroque organs in Venice.

Two interesting short stories about the Church of San Stae:

  1. In the mid-18th century, the Church of San Stae was the site of a dramatic exorcism that attracted crowds of curious onlookers. The exorcism was carried out on a young nun named Sister Chiara, who was said to be possessed by the devil. The event was widely reported in the local press, and even drew the attention of the Pope, who dispatched a team of investigators to Venice to examine the case. While the details of the exorcism remain shrouded in mystery, the event is still remembered as one of the most dramatic episodes in the history of San Stae.

  2. Antonio Vivaldi, one of the most famous composers in the history of Venice, was buried in the cemetery of the Church of San Stae after his death in 1741. However, the exact location of his grave was unknown for centuries, and it was only in the late 20th century that a group of musicologists and historians were able to confirm that Vivaldi was indeed buried in San Stae. Today, visitors can pay their respects to the great composer at a small plaque located in the church's nave.

- It is said that the original architect of the church, Domenico Rossi, was so unhappy with the way the nave turned out that he committed suicide by jumping off the balcony.

- Another quirky fact about the church is that it was used as a location for the 1979 film "Moonraker," featuring James Bond. The church was shown in the film during a scene in which Bond chases his arch-nemesis, Jaws.

"I am charmed with Venice. I would rather have this country than all the treasures of the universe."

• Napoleon - Letter to Josephine, May 1797

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