Church of Saint Mary of Miracles — Attraction in Venice

Magnificent church both outside and inside. Awaken awe and some peace in us. This is one of those churches in which is immediately felt that something special. The church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli is a truly special church, both from a historical-artistic point of view, and from a sentimental point of view for the Venetians. The church is not big, but it is significant and there is so much to see. Santa Maria dei Miracoli is striking above all for the elegant facade covered with marble which, as they say, seem to come from what remained after the construction of the Basilica of San Marco. Unlike all the other churches in the city, the result of numerous overlapping styles, the church of the Miracles has come to us practically intact, founded much more recently than the others, it was designed, built and decorated by a single artist and his workshop , perhaps in a single stage or at most in two very close stages. The church was built between 1481 and 1489 on commission by Angelo Amadi to house an image of the "Virgin and Child between two Saints" which he owned and which was said to be miraculous. The façade is so impressive that you can't take your eyes off it. The façade, with the original semicircular front decorated with rose windows, made of two orders of porticoes carved in marble, and the cylindrical roof, perfectly enclose the volume of the church. The interior, very coherent with the exterior, has a single nave, with a raised presbytery and richly decorated with precious carved marbles. On the altar there is the famous Madonna and Child, considered miraculous, the work of Zanino di Pietro (15th century). The dome in the pendentives shows the effigies of the four Evangelists, probably works by Pietro Lombardo himself, like the splendid perforated transenna of the presbytery. For us, visiting this church was a...

Santa Maria dei Miracoli – A Hidden Gem in Venice

Nestled in the heart of Venice, Santa Maria dei Miracoli is a true architectural gem, often overshadowed by the more famous landmarks of the city, yet one of its most stunning churches. Known for its pristine white marble façade, this small but beautifully decorated church is a masterpiece of Venetian Renaissance architecture.

Opening Times & Tickets • Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. • Admission is 3€ for adults and free for residents of Venice.

Why You Should Visit

The church’s exquisite white marble exterior gleams in the Venetian sunlight, with delicate carvings and detailed reliefs that make it stand out from other buildings in the city. Inside, the interior is equally breathtaking, with a series of elegant marble altars and frescoes by some of the era’s most talented artists.

One of the church’s most notable features is the decorative marble floors, arranged in intricate patterns that complement the simplicity and elegance of the space. The church’s relatively small size gives it an intimate, almost serene feel, making it a peaceful retreat away from the bustling crowds.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli is also known for its connection to the Miracle of the Madonna, which led to its construction in the late 15th century. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or just seeking a tranquil place to reflect, this church offers a unique and beautifully serene experience.

Highly...

I always tell people to visit this church, which is my favourite in the whole of Venice. It's not quite a hidden gem, but easy to miss if you're only visiting the usual tourist sites - Piazza San Marco, Guggenheim, Accademia etc. It is perfection in marble and can be admired as much from the outside as inside, and the steps up to the chancel are glorious. The name Santa Maria dei Miracoli is derived from a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary which still stands at the main altar. The true miracle was the $4m restoration undertaken in the 1990s to save the church from ruin, and the ongoing cleaning work which keeps the polychrome marble gleaming for visitors today. The church is part of the Chorus scheme, and therefore there is a modest admission charge, but this also means it is open continuously from 10am to 5pm (Monday to Saturday). It is popular with Italian wedding parties, who often stop in the charming little campo surrounding the church to have their photos taken. It is certainly one of the most romantic places in the world, and I imagine a lot of people dream of getting...