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Santa Maria dei Miracoli is a Roman Catholic church located in the Cannaregio district of Venice, Italy.

Visual Characteristics

The church is a rectangular structure measuring approximately 25 meters long, 12 meters wide, and 15 meters high. Its exterior is clad in white Istrian stone and pink Verona marble, arranged in a geometric pattern of squares and circles. The facade features a prominent rose window and is topped by a small dome. The interior is a single nave with a barrel vault ceiling, also decorated with marble and frescoes.

Location & Access Logistics

Santa Maria dei Miracoli is situated on the Fondamenta dei Miracoli, approximately 1.2 kilometers northeast of St. Mark's Square. Access is primarily on foot via the narrow Venetian calle (streets) and bridges. The nearest Vaporetto (water bus) stop is Rialto Mercato, located about 600 meters to the southwest, served by lines 1 and 2. There is no dedicated parking; visitors must walk from public parking garages such as Garage San Marco or Autorimessa Comunale.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Santa Maria dei Miracoli began in 1481 and was completed in 1489. It was designed by Pietro Lombardo and his sons, Antonio and Tullio Lombardo, renowned sculptors and architects of the Venetian Renaissance. The church was commissioned to house a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, which had been moved to the area in 1408.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observe the intricate marble inlay work on the exterior and interior. Examine the wooden ceiling, painted to resemble a starry sky. View the sarcophagus of St. Lawrence Giustiniani, the first Patriarch of Venice, located in the presbytery. The church is open for quiet contemplation and architectural appreciation.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not available within the church. There is limited natural shade around the immediate exterior. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the surrounding area. No food vendors are located directly at the church; options are available in the nearby Rialto Market area.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal interior lighting and fewer crowds, visit between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays. The church is best appreciated during daylight hours. No specific tide considerations are relevant for visiting this church.

Facts & Legends

A local legend states that the icon of the Virgin Mary housed within the church was responsible for ending a plague in the 15th century, hence its designation as "dei Miracoli" (of the Miracles). The church's exterior marble was sourced from various locations, including Carrara for the white stone and Verona for the pink marble.

Nearby Landmarks

• Rialto Bridge (0.6km Southwest)
• Rialto Market (0.7km Southwest)
• Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (0.8km Northwest)
• Scuola Grande di San Marco (0.8km Northwest)
• Doge's Palace (1.3km South)