According to tradition, the church of Santa Maria Formosa was one of the eight founded in the 7th century by St. Magnus, after a Vision of the Virgin as a magnificent matron (indeed, in Latin, formosa means beautiful).
It was rebuilt in 1492 by Mauro Codussi with Tuscany first Renaissance’s style.
For the external façades, commissioned by the Cappello family, two different styles were chosen: the classical-style façade overlooking the canal, built in 1542, and the Baroque façade overlooking the square, built in 1604.
Its interior, with Latin-cross layout, central nave and two side aisles, respects the foundations of the original 7th century church. It treasures many masterpieces such as some paintings by G. Bellini school, the tryptich
Madonna della Misericordia, by Bartolomeo Vivarini from Murano (1473). In the oratory there is a Madonna con Bambino e San Domenico by Giambattista Tiepolo (18th century). On the right transept, Santa Barbara e quattro santi, the famous polyptych by Palma il Vecchio (1480-1510), with the protector of the Scuola dei Bombardieri, painted for the chapel where once was the Scuola di Mestieri.
Today, the Church of Santa Maria Formosa in Venice is part of the extensive Association for the Churches of the Patriarchate of Venice (Chorus), which protects and makes accessible numerous churches and sacred places throughout the island, also contributing to the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of Venice's architectural and artistic heritage.
Useful information:
Opening hours:
From Monday to Saturday, from 10.30 am to 5 pm
Prices:
- entry fee: 3,50 euro
- reduced entry fee: 2,50 euro
Other options:
CHORUS PASS
A single ticket valid for visiting all the churches of the Association. Ticketing and info at: https://chorusvenezia.org/shop/:
Chorus Pass full: 14,00 euro
Chorus Pass reduced: 10,00 euro
The single ticket for the Church can be purchased directly in the ticket-office inside the church.
Contacts:
Tel: +39 041 2750462
E-mail: info@chorusvenezia.org
For any further infomation and updates on opening times, please check on website: www.chorusvenezia.org
Address: Campiello Santa Maria Formosa, 5263 Castello - Venezia
How to get there: water-bus, stop "S. Zaccaria"
Copyright Notice: these images have been sourced online. If you are the copyright holder and wish for it to be removed, please contact us.
