I Gesuiti Church

Venice, Italy

The church of Santa Maria Assunta, known as I Gesuiti was built in 1715-1728 by Jesuits. Saint Ignatius of Loyola visited the city of Venice for the first time in 1523 to embark on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He returned to I Gesuiti in 1535 with a group of friends, who already called themselves the Society of Jesus (members of which are referred to as Jesuits - Gesuiti in Italian), and here they were ordained as priests.

The layout of the church is typical of Jesuit churches, in the form of a Latin cross with three chapels in the longest wing. The transept and chancel are alongside two other chapels. The six chapels on the sides of the nave are separated by small rooms which were probably once used for confession. Between the second and third chapels stands the remarkable pulpit created by Francesco Bonazza and along the entire corridor there are 'corretti', grates that visitors to the convent could look through.

The nave of the church pales in comparison to the altar, which is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, due to the presence of four pillars which support the cross vault. These pillars were decorated with green and white marble between 1725 and 1731.

The ceiling is adorned with frescoes. In the chancel, Angel musicians in Glory (1720), and on the vaulted ceiling The Triumph of the Name of Jesus (1732), were painted by Ludovico Dorigny. On the ceiling of the nave, Abraham and Three Angels and Vision of St John Evangelist were painted by Francesco Fontebasso in 1734. The chancel is decorated with statues of cherubs, little angels, angels and archangels by Giuseppe Torretti.

The campanile is almost entirely the original that was erected for the church of the Betlemitani, the only addition is the belfry from the eighteenth century.

References:

Comments

Your name



Address

Ramo Donà 5102, Venice, Italy
See all sites in Venice

Details

Founded: 1715-1728
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ruffian Dick (2 months ago)
Stunning on every level and better than most of the basicila in Venice. Must visit for everyone.
suzanne palmer (3 months ago)
Three trips to Venice I have tried to visit this church. The last 2 times I found it closed because of strange opening hours. This time I carefully looked up the opening hours and walked a long way there. It was supposed to be open from 16.00 to 19.00. We arrived at 16.05 and waited about 15 minutes. It did not open. Very disappointing. I don't mind restricted opening hours, but at least be open when you say you will be open.
The Polite One (5 months ago)
Beautiful church and some stunning mosaics, especially the drapes. Well worth popping in before/after the ferry to Murano.
Haleh Magnus (8 months ago)
I have seen so many churches but this one has this work of art on marble that looks like wall paper but it’s on marble. Everything was marble. So gergous. It’s only 1€. It’s kind of hidden and not advertised as well as other churches.
Carla C (10 months ago)
Gorgeous and unique sacred space with inlaid marble wallpaper-like patterned walls and columns, stone as fabric "rug" at the altar, incredible paintings and statuary. Don't miss the gory St John the Baptist painting in the choral practice room to the side of the sanctuary.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.