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Church of Saint Mary of the Lily

About

The Church of Saint Mary of the Lily, known in Italian as Santa Maria della Visitazione or Santa Maria del Giglio, is a small yet striking Baroque jewel in the heart of Venice. Rebuilt in the seventeenth century, the church is renowned for its richly sculpted façade, created by Giuseppe Sardi, which uniquely features maps, military trophies, and portraits celebrating the patronage of the Barbaro family rather than traditional religious imagery. This unusual design makes it one of the most distinctive façades in the city. Inside, the church preserves important artworks, including a moving Madonna and Child attributed to Peter Paul Rubens, one of the few works by the Flemish master in Venice. The intimate interior, with its warm light and elegant decoration, offers a serene contrast to the ornate exterior. The Church of Saint Mary of the Lily remains a fascinating example of Venetian Baroque art and the complex relationship between faith, family prestige, and artistic expression.

Venice Italy
Church of Saint Mary of the Lily
Location

Church of Saint Mary of the Lily, also known as Santa Maria del Giglio or Santa Maria Zobenigo, is located at Campo Santa Maria del Giglio in Venice's San Marco sestiere, just west of Piazza San Marco. This Baroque church from 1678-1681 boasts a distinctive facade with maps of cities linked to Admiral Antonio Barbaro and statues of his family, facing a lively square near the Grand Canal. Nearby attractions include Teatro La Fenice a short walk away, the San Maria del Giglio vaporetto stop on lines 1 and 2, Palazzo Contarini Fasan or Gaggia, and easy access to St. Mark’s Basilica and luxury shops along Calle Larga XXII Marzo.​

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