Parrocchia Santa Maria Assunta e San Prosdocimo

Have you ever noticed how so many churches in Venice are dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta? Well, here we are in front of a church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, but this one also includes another saint, San Prosdocimo, in its title: Parrocchia Santa Maria Assunta e San Prosdocimo. You are standing in a unique place, a hidden gem. This church, a baroque beauty with its green and white marble decorations, is truly a spectacle. Built in the early 1700s, it was financed by the Manin family, a noble Venetian family. Previously, a church was built there in 1148 by a Franciscan order – the Order of the Crociferi – and it was destroyed by fire several times. Its complex was later sold to the Jesuits, who finally decided to build the church you see today. In 1715, the demolition began and the church was finally dedicated in 1728. The architect Domenico Rossi, famous for his work on the Church of San Stae, was chosen to direct the works. The interior of the church is beautiful, even without the incredible works of art that were once here. The church held the tomb of Doge Pasquale Cicogna and many other amazing artworks, but these were moved when the church fell under the control of the Jesuits. The church has a design that’s characteristic of the Jesuits: the architectural features like the elaborate stucco work and marble décor were a hallmark of the order in the 18th century. Nowadays, it’s a parish church that houses a lot of special religious services. The church retains its ancient grandeur but is now a tranquil and peaceful place where local Venetians come to pray.