The church of Saints Gervasius and Protasius is first mentioned in papal bulls of the 12th century, although the present building dates from the mid-19th century. The present church was built in neo-Gothic style by the architect-engineer Giovan Battista Meduna between 1852 and 1857, consecrated in 1858 (but not actually completed until 1912).
The church of Santa Maria delle Penitenti was built in 1706. The purpose of the ecclesiastical complex and the Ospizio di Santa Maria delle Penitenti attached to it was to house former prostitutes and other women who had given rise to public scandal and were in need of help, employing them in "honest work". Around 1725, the construction of the pious place began in its present form, based on a project drawn up by Giorgio Massari, who also directed the construction. The reference model was that of the church of the Zitelle on the Giudecca.
The church of Sant'Alvise, dedicated to St. Louis of Toulouse, known in Venice as St. Alvise, was built in 1383 by the noblewoman Antonia Venier, together with the adjoining monastery, in the place suggested to her by the Saint himself appearing to her in a dream. The church underwent a major renovation in the 17th century, which greatly modified the interior.
The Spanish synagogue is one of the two functioning synagogues in Venice. It was built in 1580 and was restored in 1635. It is a clandestine synagogue meaning that the exterior was not allowed to appear as a place of worship. The synagogue is still open today for services.
How is Religiana helping to conserve and promote Religious Heritage in Europe and why should you get involved?
Find out about Religiana
Are you a tourism organisation or religious heritage sites manager? Discover the advantages of becoming a partner.
See current partners
We can keep you up to date with the latest news from Religiana and religious heritage conservation across Europe.
Sign up to the FRH newsletter