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Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli: a Renaissance jewel in Venice

Church - Cannaregio

Index: Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

The Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli is one of the most harmonious and refined religious buildings in Venice, a small Renaissance masterpiece tucked away among the canals of the Cannaregio district. Elegant, intimate, and surprisingly rich in decoration, this church tells a story of popular devotion, miracles, and outstanding Venetian architecture of the late 15th century.

Clad entirely in polychrome marble, Santa Maria dei Miracoli immediately captivates visitors with its perfect balance of proportions and colors. Often described as a “jewel box of marble”, it is an unmissable stop for travelers seeking a quieter, more authentic side of Venice, away from the busiest routes.

History and origins of the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

The church was built between 1481 and 1489 based on a design by Pietro Lombardo, in order to provide a worthy setting for a miraculous icon depicting the Virgin and Child with Saints. This sacred image had already been venerated since 1408, as numerous miracles and healings were attributed to it.

According to tradition, the growing devotion of the faithful led to the decision to construct a dedicated church, funded largely through popular donations. Originally, Santa Maria dei Miracoli was connected by a small bridge to an adjacent convent—today converted into private residences—highlighting the importance of the religious complex within the urban fabric of medieval Venice.

Today, the church is considered one of the finest examples of Venetian Renaissance architecture, skillfully blending classical elements with local artistic traditions.

SANTA MARIA DEI MIRACOLI - PHOTO GALLERY

Architecture and decoration: a marble masterpiece

The exterior of the church is entirely faced with richly colored marble, arranged in harmonious geometric patterns. Along the sides runs a refined false portico, while the façade is crowned by a semicircular pediment that gives the building both elegance and balance.

The interior consists of a single nave covered by a barrel vault, creating a bright and unified space. One of its most striking features is the monumental marble staircase leading up to the main altar—an unusual architectural solution that turns the ascent toward the altar into a symbolic and visual journey.

Artworks inside the church

The richly decorated high altar houses the miraculous icon and is adorned with marble statues and reliefs by leading Renaissance artists, including Tullio Lombardo, Alessandro Vittoria, and Nicolò di Pietro.

Above, the vaulted ceiling is divided into fifty finely carved coffers, each featuring busts of Prophets and Patriarchs. These remarkable decorations were created by Gerolamo Pennacchi, Vincenzo dalle Destre, and Lattanzio da Rimini, contributing to the church’s refined and contemplative atmosphere.

The overall effect is one of harmony and intimacy, where sculpture, architecture, and decoration blend seamlessly, inviting visitors to pause and admire the details.

Where it is and how to get there

The Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli is located in Campiello dei Miracoli, in the heart of the Cannaregio district, at walking distance from the Rialto area and the Church of Saints Giovanni and Paolo.

Address: Campiello dei Miracoli, 30121 – Cannaregio, Venice

The church is easily reachable on foot from Rialto or by vaporetto, getting off at nearby stops such as Ca’ d’Oro or Santi Apostoli, followed by a short walk through charming Venetian alleyways.

Opening hours and tickets – Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
(Last admission at 4:20 pm)

Tickets:
Single entrance: Adult € 3.00

Chorus Pass:
Full price € 12.00 – Reduced € 8.00
(The Chorus Pass grants access to several monumental churches in Venice)

What to see nearby

The church is located in an area rich in history and landmarks. Nearby highlights include:

The Basilica of Saints Giovanni and Paolo (Zanipolo), one of the largest churches in Venice
The Scuola Grande di San Marco, today part of the Venetian hospital complex
The Rialto Bridge and its surrounding historic market area
The Cannaregio district, ideal for exploring traditional bacari and local life

Thanks to its central yet peaceful location, Santa Maria dei Miracoli is an ideal stop for discovering a more authentic and artistic Venice.

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