The Crociferi Oratory
This little yellow building with its traditional Venetian chimneys was founded in the 12th century as a hospital for pilgrims and crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. It then became an institute for poor women. Later it became the oratory. It is a small jewel of late Mannerist paintings and examples of work by Jacopo Palma il Giovane.
It can be found in the Campo dei Gesuiti, in the district known as Cannaregio. It has a simple Gothic style and a passage that connects it to the Zen Palace. A member of the Zen family was made doge Renier Zen in the 1300s.
In the 16th century doge Pasquale Cicogna supported the restructuring and decoration of the building that the Crociferi Fathers and St Mark’s prosecutors were wanting. Palma il Giovane painted a series between 1583 e il 1592, depicting the Crociferi Fathers and the two doge benefactors. On the sectioned ceiling, angels surround a picture of the Assumption. The church in fact is named after Our Lady’s Assumption into Heaven.
The paintings were damaged in the great flood of 1966 but have been restored with success thanks to foreign patronage. The chapel was reopened in 1984.
Useful informations
Address: Campo dei Gesuiti – Cannaregio 4905
Opening times: on booking
Telephone: 0412719012 from Monday to Friday 9 -6, Saturday 9 - 2. The call center is closed during the main public holidays.
E-mail: info@scalabovolo.org
Sito: www.scalabovolo.org/oratorio2.html
Back
Your vacation starts here
Call Center
+39 041 5222264
Everyday from 8. a.m. to 11 p.m.
