Parish of Santa Maria Formosa

The Church of Santa Maria Formosa, located in the Castello district in Venice, is a fascinating example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, rich in history and significant works of art. Founded in 1492 by Mauro Codussi, one of the most important Venetian Renaissance architects, the church is built on a site that, according to legend, was chosen by the Virgin Mary who appeared in a vision to San Magno, bishop of Oderzo, in the 7th century. The main facade of the church, facing the square, is a perfect example of the elegance and sobriety of Renaissance architecture. Codussi, known for his innovative style that combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, designed a structure in Istrian stone, with a tripartite facade and a central portal decorated with Corinthian columns. The secondary facade, facing the canal, was completed in 1604 by Vincenzo Scamozzi and features a more austere style, with a skillful use of classical proportions. The interior of the church is equally fascinating, with a Latin cross plan and a single nave leading to the raised presbytery. The side chapels house numerous valuable works of art, including paintings by Giovanni Bellini, Bartolomeo Vivarini, and Palma il Giovane. The main altar, designed by Codussi, is surmounted by an altarpiece depicting the Madonna and Child with saints, attributed to Palma il Vecchio. A distinctive feature of the church is the Grimani chapel, located in the right nave. This chapel, commissioned by the noble Grimani family in the 16th century, is a masterpiece of Renaissance decoration, with an altar designed by Michele Sanmicheli and sculptures by Alessandro Vittoria. The altarpiece of the chapel, by Giovanni Contarini, depicts Saint John the Baptist and other saints, and represents one of the finest examples of Venetian painting of the sixteenth century. The church is also famous for its connection with the Brotherhood of the Bombardiers, who were tasked with defending the city. The Brotherhood commissioned several works of art for the church, including a series of canvases depicting episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary, created by artists such as Jacopo Palma il Giovane and Leandro Bassano. These paintings, characterized by lively expressiveness and a rich chromatic palette, add an additional layer of interest to the interior of the church. One of the most fascinating aspects of Santa Maria Formosa is its rich history of anecdotes and legends. It is said that the name “Formosa” derives from the beauty of the place chosen by the Virgin for her appearance. Furthermore, the church has undergone numerous restoration interventions over the centuries, following various events such as fires and floods, which have made continuous renewal and conservation of the structures and works of art necessary.