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.
Useful information:
Address: Campiello Santa Maria Formosa, 5263 Castello cap 30122 - Venezia
Opening time: from Monday to Saturday, from 13.45 to 16.30
(last entrance and closing time of the ticket office and of the bookshop at 16.20)
Closed on:
1st January
Eastern day
15th August
Christmas day
Sunday
Partial closure:
(Opening time at 13.00)
6th January
1st November
8th December
Full Price: € 3.00
Student price (up to 29 years old, provided with ID): €1,50
Free entrance:
· Residents of the municipality of Venice (provided with a valid ID)
· Children up to 11 years old
· Religiou people
· People with disabilites and their carer
· Journalists with Chorus credit (released by the Direction)
· ICOM and ICOMOS associates
· Authorized guides
· In-service offial of MIBAC
· Student and researchers authorized by the Direction
· For groups, one free entrance every 15 participants.
Tickets are on Sale in Venice at the church.
Contacts:
Telefon: 0415230625 - 041-2750462
E-Mail: info@chorusvenezia.org
Web: www.chorusvenezia.org
How to get there: Ferry boat stop "S. Zaccaria"
