10 churches in Venice you might not see on your popular things to see lists.
(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
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:
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:
The painting of the Madonna dei Miracoli, which was believed to have miraculous healing powers and attracted many pilgrims to the church.
The tomb of Doge Francesco Donà, a powerful Venetian ruler who commissioned the construction of the church.
A series of frescoes by Renaissance artist Girolamo Tessari depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
A wooden statue of St. Roch, a popular saint during the time of the Black Death.
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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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:
Some interesting stories about the Church of San Zaccaria:
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:
Relic of St. Zacharias: According to tradition, the church houses the arm bone of St. Zacharias, the father of St. John the Baptist.
Relic of St. Elizabeth: The church also has a relic of St. Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Baptist.
Relic of St. Athanasius: The church has a relic of St. Athanasius, a prominent theologian and bishop of Alexandria in the 4th century.
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.
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.
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.
Here are two interesting short stories about the church:
Some important relics of the San Giovanni in Bragora:
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.
Reliquary of Saint Ursula: This reliquary contains the skull of Saint Ursula, a legendary Christian saint who was martyred in the 4th century.
Reliquary of Saint Sebastian: This reliquary contains the bones of Saint Sebastian, a Christian saint who was martyred in the 3rd century.
Reliquary of Saint Lucy: This reliquary contains the skull of Saint Lucy, a Christian martyr who lived in the 4th century.
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.
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.
Two interesting short stories about the Church of San Francesco della Vigna are:
Some of the most important relics in the Church of San Francesco della Vigna include:
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.
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.
And here are two interesting short stories about the church:
The Church of San Pietro di Castello is known for its collection of important relics, including:
Other important relics include a piece of the True Cross, fragments of the Holy Sepulchre, and the arm of Saint George.
*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.
Two interesting short stories about the church:
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 Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari has several important relics, including:
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.
And here are two interesting short stories about the Church of San Sebastiano:
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.
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:
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.
The church's sacristy is said to contain a collection of strange and macabre objects, including a mummified hand and a wooden leg.
The church's choir stalls are intricately carved with scenes from the life of St. Sebastian, including some rather graphic depictions of his martyrdom.
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.
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.
Here are two interesting stories about the Church of San Giobbe:
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.
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.
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.
And here are two interesting short stories about the Church of San Polo:
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.
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.
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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.
Two interesting short stories about the Church of San Stae:
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.
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.
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