Did Ginevra Gradenigo foresee her destiny when she donated land for Santa Maria degli Angeli? In 1188, this noblewoman gifted land to Abbess Giacomina Boncio. The land was intended for a monastery on Murano, an island in the Venetian Lagoon. Ironically, Ginevra’s father later forced her to become a nun in that very monastery. Santa Maria degli Angeli has seen much since its 12th-century founding. The original structure was demolished and rebuilt. It was reconsecrated in 1529. A papal bull united it with the monastery of Santa Maria di Piave in Lovadina. This union brought wealth and renown. Even King Henry III of France visited Santa Maria degli Angeli in 1574. Imagine the opulent reception he received. The finest Murano glassmakers likely crafted a special display for the king. The monastery once housed nuns from Venice’s most prestigious families. This ensured its prosperity until its closure in 1810. The church itself closed in 1848. It was stripped of its treasures. Many of these artworks now grace San Pietro Martire, another Murano church. Santa Maria degli Angeli was restored and reopened for worship in 1863. In the late 19th century, parts of the church served as a shelter for Murano’s poorest families. Today, Santa Maria degli Angeli remains a quiet testament to its layered past. It’s no longer a parish church. Visits are possible, but only by appointment. This allows for a uniquely intimate experience with the church’s enduring spirit.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to