Church of San Cassiano

The Church of San Cassiano in Venice, located in the district of San Polo, is a place of worship with a rich and fascinating history. Its origins date back to 726, when the first church dedicated to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, was built. Over the centuries, the building has undergone numerous reconstructions, including a significant rebuilding after a fire in 1106. The current version of the church, consecrated in 1376, underwent further modifications in the 17th century, culminating in the baroque appearance that we can admire today. The exterior of the Church of San Cassiano is rather sober and devoid of elaborate decorations. It stands out for its massive and simple structure, with a 13th-century bell tower modified with the addition of a Gothic spire. Once, on the side facing the water, there was a portico, demolished in the 19th century. This austere exterior sharply contrasts with the richly decorated interior. The interior of the church is a triumph of baroque art. Among the most significant works are three paintings by Jacopo Tintoretto, a former parishioner of the church: “The Resurrection,” “The Descent into Limbo,” and “The Crucifixion,” created between 1565 and 1568. These works not only showcase Tintoretto’s mastery but also his boldness in depicting Christ in a floating position, challenging the directives of the Council of Trent that required a more grounded representation. Another notable work is the main altar, created by Heinrich Meyring and Nardo. This altar is a splendid example of Venetian baroque and represents one of Meyring’s most imposing achievements. The church’s ceiling, frescoed by Costantino Cedini, a pupil of Giambattista Tiepolo, has recently been restored, bringing to light the magnificence of the pictorial details. The church also houses a side altar commissioned by Abbot Carlo del Medico in 1746, with an altarpiece from 1763 and a fresco on the ceiling, both by Giambattista Pittoni. Additionally, the church has seen works by other renowned artists such as Antonio Balestra, whose painting “The Martyrdom of San Cassiano” depicts the saint pierced by his students with their pens, symbolizing his martyrdom. A historically significant event related to the Church of San Cassiano was the funeral of Caterina Cornaro, former queen of Cyprus and Venetian noblewoman, in 1509. The funeral procession began from this church and crossed a floating bridge to the Church of the Santi Apostoli, where she was buried in the family chapel. Over the centuries, the church has continued to be a vital center for the Venetian community, also hosting significant events such as the world’s first public opera theater, the Teatro di San Cassiano, inaugurated in 1637. This theater revolutionized the enjoyment of opera, making it accessible to a wider audience and not just the aristocratic elite.