Ever wondered about the story behind that clock eternally displaying 9.30? It graces the facade of Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola. This church has a captivating past. Today we will delve into the history and artistic treasures of Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola.
The Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola stands proudly in the Castello district. It faces Via Garibaldi. This street is a relatively modern addition to Venice. It was created by filling in the Castello stream in the 19th century.
Originally, in 1291, Bishop Bartolomeo I Querini wanted a hospital for the elderly to be constructed. It was built along the Rio di Castello’s left side. An oratory dedicated to San Bartolomeo was added next to this hospital. By the second half of the 14th century a church dedicated to San Bartolomeo was also erected here.
By 1588 both the hospice and the church were structurally unsound. The Order of Minims of San Francesco di Paola took over. They completely restructured the church. It was then rededicated to San Francesco di Paola. A monastery was built next to it. Sadly, it was suppressed in 1806 and demolished in 1885. An elementary school now occupies its place.
The church’s facade boasts a classical style. You’ll notice two orders. A triangular tympanum crowns the structure. The portal and windows are arranged centrally. Pilasters with Corinthian capitals add a touch of elegance. The clock on the facade marks the time of the saint’s death. Above the main door, the Order’s motto is carved: CHARITAS. It is at the center of a flaming sun. Until 1810, the church overlooked the Rio di San Domenico or di Castello. It faced the bridge of the same name.
Inside the Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola, you will find a single nave. It is 39 meters long and 18 meters wide. It retains its original features despite an 18th-century remodeling. A notable feature is the barco. It leans against the internal front of the facade. It extends along the side walls. Side chapels are set within its depths, three on each side.
There are eleven altars within the Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola. One houses the baptistery. Numerous paintings depict the life of Saint Francis of Paola. They also show his miracles. Key works include “The Saint Resurrects a Child” from 1748 by G.F. Soliman. You can also see “Liberation of a Possessed Person” from 1748 by Giandomenico Tiepolo. “The Virgin, St. John the Evangelist and donor figures” by Jacopo Palma il Giovane is another highlight. Finally, do not miss “St Francis Resurrects Thomas of Ture” by Vincenzo Canal from 1746.
The ceiling of the Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola is entirely painted. These late-sixteenth-century works depict biblical episodes and miracles of the Saint. Giovanni Contarini, a student of Titian, created the ceiling frescoes. Also, look for the painting “St Francis de Paul Heals a Possessed Man”. It is attributed to Giandomenico Tiepolo.
San Francesco di Paola was known for performing astonishing miracles. Legend says he once walked across the Strait of Messina. He also brought his pet trout, Antonella, back to life. This happened after a priest fried her for lunch. So, as you leave Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola, remember the saint, his miracles, and the clock.