Church of San Vidal

The Church of San Vidal, located in the San Marco district in Venice, represents a fascinating example of Baroque architecture and art. Founded in 1084 during the dogeship of Vitale Falier, the church was rebuilt at the end of the 17th century. This restoration was funded by the Morosini family, with the intention of erecting a monument to Francesco Morosini, Doge of Venice from 1688 to 1694. The initial project, entrusted to Antonio Gaspari, envisioned a monumental facade inspired by the church of Sant’Andrea al Quirinale in Rome. However, the work was completed by Andrea Tirali who created the current facade, characterized by a classical and austere style. The facade of the church, sober and elegant, leads to a surprising interior. The building has a single nave with a vaulted ceiling and houses six side altars, three on each side. The first altar on the left is decorated with Sebastiano Ricci’s “Immaculate Conception,” a masterpiece of 18th-century Venetian art. The second altar features Giulia Lama’s painting “Christ Crucified and the Apostles,” flanked by two 18th-century sculptures by Antonio Tarsia depicting the patriarch Simeon and Saint Joseph, while the upper lunette is adorned with Antonio Vassilacchi’s “Ascension.” The third altar houses a painting from the school of Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, “Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch,” a work by Angelo Trevisan. The main altar, located in the center of the presbytery, is flanked by two statues by Antonio Gai depicting Fortitude and Faith. In the background of the presbytery is the large altarpiece “Saint Vitale on Horseback and Saints,” created by Vittore Carpaccio in 1514. This painting, also known as the “Glory of Saint Vitale” or “Altarpiece of San Vidal,” is one of the most famous masterpieces of the Venetian artist and depicts Saint Vitale on horseback surrounded by saints. On the right side, the first altar houses works by Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini, including “Saint Joseph, Saint Francis of Paola, and the Savior in Glory.” The second altar is adorned with sculptures by Antonio Tarsia, depicting “The Annunciation of the Virgin,” Saint Dominic, and Saint Rose, complemented by Antonio Vassilacchi’s “Assumption” in the upper lunette. The third altar features a 1730 altarpiece by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, depicting “Archangel Raphael, Saint Louis, and Saint Anthony of Padua.” The sacristy houses other remarkable works of art, including Gregorio Lazzarini’s “The Death of Saint Ursicinus” and a 18th-century painting of the martyrdom of Saint Vitale from the Venetian school. An interesting detail is the tradition that sees the church as the burial place of the famous Venetian musician Baldassare Galuppi, although there are no commemorative plaques to testify to this fact. The bell tower, integrated into the structure of the church, has a white stone plaque at the base with a Roman inscription, placed there since the 16th century. This element adds another layer of history and charm to the building. The location of the church, at the entrance of Campo Santo Stefano and near the Accademia Bridge, makes it easily accessible and part of a cultural itinerary that includes other important Venetian attractions. The church is open to the public every day, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its artistic wonders and immerse themselves in its centuries-old history.