Church of the Saints Giobbe and Bernardino

The Church of the Saints Job and Bernardino, located in the Cannaregio district in Venice, is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture and a treasure trove of artistic treasures. Built between 1450 and 1493, the church is dedicated to Saint Job, the biblical saint symbol of patience and faith in adversity, and to Saint Bernardino of Siena, an influential Franciscan preacher. The history of the church begins in the 14th century, when Giovanni Contarini, a Venetian nobleman, founded a small hospice and an oratory dedicated to Saint Job. Subsequently, thanks to the financial support of Doge Cristoforo Moro, who donated a considerable sum in gratitude for a prophecy of Saint Bernardino, the oratory was expanded and transformed into the current church. The work began under the direction of the architect Antonio Gambello and was completed by Pietro Lombardo, who designed the splendid Renaissance facade and elegant interior decoration. The church is distinguished by its single nave interior, which features a curious asymmetry: while the left wall is enriched with numerous chapels, the right one is more linear and houses four altars. This arrangement is due to the presence of the adjacent convent on the right side. Among the most notable chapels is that of Saint Luke, decorated by Tullio Lombardo with the sculpture of Saint Luke between two angels, and the Grimani family chapel, with a ceiling entirely covered in Della Robbia ceramics. The works of art preserved in the church are numerous and of great value. Among these, stands out “The Nativity” by Girolamo Savoldo, a painting from 1540 that shows the birth of Jesus with a luminous and detailed composition. The main altar houses the triptych by Antonio Vivarini, depicting the Annunciation, Saint Anthony of Padua, and Saint Michael. Another important work is the altarpiece by Paris Bordone, representing Saints Peter, Andrew, and Nicholas of Bari. The church also has a rich history of connections with the Venetian nobility, as evidenced by the numerous tombs of patricians buried inside. Among these is the tomb of Doge Cristoforo Moro, located in front of the main altar, and that of Cardinal Marco Antonio Da Mula, a work by the workshop of Alessandro Vittoria. Furthermore, the church houses a funerary monument dedicated to René de Voyer de Paulmy d’Argenson, the French ambassador to Venice. The facade of the church, designed by Pietro Lombardo, is a perfect example of Renaissance elegance. Characterized by a portal decorated with reliefs and sculptures, the facade reflects the artistic ability of the Lombardo family and the influence of the classical style. The bell tower, towering over the church, adds an additional element of grandeur to the architectural ensemble. The Church of the Saints Job and Bernardino is not only a place of worship, but also an important cultural and historical center. Its location along the Cannaregio Canal, near the Ponte dei Tre Archi, makes it easily accessible and a must-visit for those exploring Venice. The complex regularly hosts cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions, contributing to keeping alive the artistic and cultural tradition of the city. An interesting anecdote concerns the construction of the church: it is said that Doge Cristoforo Moro had vowed to build a new church if he was elected doge, as predicted by Saint Bernardino. When the prophecy came true, Moro kept his promise, donating a large sum that allowed the start of the works. This episode highlights the strong connection between faith and political power in Renaissance Venice.