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What to see in Venice Castello district
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Castello district in Venice
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Cathedral of San Pietro di Castello
For many centuries the cathedral was under the authority of the
Patriarch of Grado. In 1451 Venice obtained its own patriarch. hence the
church became cathedral. As a result of the dignities that were
suppressed by Napoleon in 1807, San Marco (Saint Mark's) became the new
cathedral and instead of just being a chapel of the Doge's it became the
seat of the Patriarch.
Antico Arsenale (Old Arsenal)
It can be recognised by its terracotta walls and squares towers. From
the thirteenth century it was an essential part of the life of the
republic.
Historical Naval Museum
Its exibits relate the naval history of the Venetian Republic.
Church of San Giovanni in Bragora
It stands in the campo of the same name which is surrounded by old
palazzi. The church was originally built in the eighth century and was
founded by San Magno, the bishop of Oderzo. The inside of the church is
still in the form of a Basilica, and has three naves and a Gothic
trussed ceiling.
Church of Visitazione o della Pietà
It was thus called because it is near the old orphanage of Calle della
Pietà. It was rebuilt in the eighteenth century by Giorgio Massari.
Church of San Francesco della Vigna
It was built on a vineyard donated to the Franciscans by marco Ziani,
the son of the Doge Pietro in 1253. That is why it is still called san
Francesco della Vigna (vigna meaning vineyard). The church was rebuilt
to a design by Jacopo Sansovino, although the elegant façade is by
Palladio.
School and church San Giorgio dei Greci
In 1526 the Greek Community in Venice was second only to that of the
Jews, and obtained permission from the Patriarch to hold Greek Orthodox
services. In 1539 they built the church of San Nicolò in the style
favoured by Sansovino and the nearby school of San Nicolò. This houses a
collection of liturgical art and precious Byzantine icons. A part of the
collection is housed in the istituto Ellenico di Studi Bizantini e
Post-Bizantini.
Church of San Zaccaria
Originally, there was a Benedictine nunnery next to it (which was then
suppressed by the Napoleonic edicts). The nunnery was reserved for young
Patrician novices, even if they had no vocation. As it belonged to the
Benedictine order the rules were fairly lax. The church was founded in
the ninth and was renovated several times in different architectural
styles that can still be seen today. The belltower dates back to the
ninth century. The most important work was carried out in 1458 and
culminated in the impressive façade by Codussi.
Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Built in 1368, a fine Gothic building with a basilica and 5 Gothic
apses. it is venice's Pantheon because it holds the tombs of twenty-five
doges, great commanders and famous men of the Venetian Republic, whose
remains are housed in fine tombs. In addition, a large polyptych by
Giovanni Bellini decorates the altar by Vincenzo Ferrer, and an
altar-piece by Lorenzo Lotto displays the alms of Saint Anthony.
Church of Santa Maria Formosa
Legend has it that San Magno ordered it to be built. It was rebuilt in
the eleventh century and was then rebuilt on the previous foundations in
1492, although the original layout in the shape of a Greek cross was
mantained. The church is in one of trhe finest of Venice's campi. It is
surrounded by private palazzifrom different periods, as can be seen from
architectural styles of their façades.
Palace Querini Stampalia
In Renaissance style, the palace houses ancient furnishings and
paintings of great value and a sizeable library.
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