Church of San Tomà

The Church of San Tomà, dedicated to Saint Thomas the Apostle, is located in the district of San Polo in Venice, specifically in Campo San Tomà. Its history dates back to the 10th century, when it was originally built. However, the current structure is the result of various renovations that took place over the centuries, with significant changes in the 14th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The first major renovation of the church took place in 1395, establishing the current orientation of the building. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the church underwent further transformations, culminating in the 1652 project by Giuseppe Sardi, based on a design by Baldassare Longhena, one of the most important Venetian architects of the time. This project led to the creation of the current Baroque layout of the church, including a facade decorated with statues and elaborate architectural details.In 1742, Francesco Bognolo further intervened on the facade, adding statues and strengthening the structure. The facade, despite the numerous modifications, still retains Gothic elements, such as the relief of the Madonna della Misericordia from the 15th century and the sarcophagus of Giovanni Priuli, a Venetian senator from the 14th century, placed high on an external wall.Inside, the church retains few of its original movable decorations, but among these stand out remarkable works such as the frescoed ceiling with the “Martyrdom of Saint Thomas” by Jacopo Guarana, perspectively framed by Giuseppe Moretti. Additionally, there are paintings by Antonio Zanchi and a main altar that once housed statues by Girolamo Campagna and side altars decorated with works by Palma Vecchio.Throughout its long history, the Church of San Tomà has played various roles, including that of a convent and parish. In the 18th century, the structure was endangered by foundation problems, requiring consolidation work that began in 1742 and was completed in the early 19th century.The location of the Church of San Tomà, near the famous Scuola Grande di San Rocco, allows visitors to explore an area rich in Venetian history and art. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, known for its paintings by Tintoretto, adds further cultural value to the visit of the church and its surroundings.