| For more places to see, click on Walks
Directions: All four sites are in the north
of the city. The easiest to find is the Madonna dell'Orto, next
to the eponymous vaporetto stop.
San Francesco della Vigna
 All three churches on this walk are in old working
districts in the north of Venice.
The façade of San Francesco
della Vigna was Palladio's first work in Venice. The Madonna
and Child by Antonio Negroponte in the right transept is one
of the unsung glories of Venice. The richly decorative garlands
of flowers, animals and birds give the effect of a medieval tapestry.
Getting there: Behind Celestia vaporetto
stop, or from SS.Giovanni e Paolo, head east down Barbaria delle
Tole, cross Campo S.Giustina into Calle Zen, over the canal,
turn left and first right into Calle S.Francesco which takes
you to the church.
 Gesuiti
An 18th century Baroque extravaganza. Every inch of the
interior is covered in green, grey and white marble to look like wall
hangings. Rather surprising to find Titian's remarkable night scene
of the Martyrdom of St Lawrence in this setting.
Getting there: From Fondamenta Nuove vaporetto
stop, head west over the canal and take the first left into Salizzada
dei Specchieri. The church is on your left.
Vaporetto |
Fondamente Nuove |
 Madonna dell'Orto
Tintoretto's
parish church on the far northern edge of Venice. One of the best
Gothic facades in the city. Lots of works by the master inside
including a charming Presentation of the Virgin, and a fine Cima
of St John the Baptist.
Getting there: From the Madonna del Orto
vaporetto stop head away from the waterfront until you reach a
canal, turn left and the church is immediately on your left.
Vaporetto |
Madonna dell'Orto |
 Palazzo Labia
The
richest family in Settecento Venice. They commissioned Tiepolo
to cover their ballroom in frescoes depicting the Meeting and the
Banquet of Anthony and Cleopatra. They remain the finest works
by the artist in Venice. The Bestegui Ball, held here, was the
most splendid social event of 20th century Venice.
GETTING THERE: 5
minutes walk from the train station and on the right before the
Ponte delle Guglie
Vaporetto |
San Marcuola/ Ponte Guglie |
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