St. Mary of the Lily Venice — Attraction in Venice

A Spiritual Journey at St. Mary of the Lily, Venice, Guided by a Welcoming Host

As an Orthodox Christian visitor, my visit to St. Mary of the Lily in Venice, Italy, was a profound and spiritually enriching experience, made all the more memorable by the warm welcome of the woman who greeted me at the entrance.

Upon arriving at this historic church, I was met by a kind and knowledgeable woman who graciously shared insights about the church's history and its role in the spiritual life of Venice. Her passion for St. Mary of the Lily was evident, and her willingness to engage with visitors from different Christian traditions created an immediate sense of connection.

The church's architecture, with its stunning Venetian Gothic design, set the tone for a visit that was both aesthetically and spiritually inspiring. The woman's guidance added depth to the experience as she pointed out the intricate details and explained the significance of the church's features.

Once inside, the atmosphere was both serene and inviting, creating a sense of calm and contemplation. The scent of incense and the soft echoes of Gregorian chants filled the air, and the magnificent iconography and religious art adorning the walls were a visual testament to the shared heritage of all Christian faiths.

St. Mary of the Lily also provided a space for private contemplation and prayer. I spent some time in quiet reflection.

In conclusion, St. Mary of the Lily in Venice is a place where Orthodox Christian visitors can experience a sense of unity with their Roman Catholic brethren, thanks in no small part to the welcoming and knowledgeable host at the entrance. The church's history, architecture, and atmosphere make it a place of profound significance, and the woman's warm hospitality added a special touch to my spiritual journey. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking a deeper connection with their faith...

This ancient church of Santa Maria del Giglio, founded in 9th century, gets its current form after an extensive reconstruction carried out during the second half of the 17th century. The church, whose name translates into St. Mary of the Lily ( referring to the flower classically depicted as being presented by the Angel Gabriel during the Annunciation), is more commonly known as Santa Maria Zobenigo after the Jubanico family who founded it in the 9th century. The church façade, work of Giuseppe Sardi, is one of the most original and imaginative expressions of Baroque Venetian art and forms a majestic monument of the Barbaro family, representing portrait statues of the five brothers and illustrating maps of the various places in which Admiral Antonio Barbaro served the Venetian Republic. Barbaro himself is represented, together with his four brothers, on the facade of Santa Maria Zobenigo, while at the lowest levels there are city plans of places where he had fought (and won) such as Zara, Crete, Padua, Rome, Corfu and Split. The interior of the church is truly amazing. The interior ceiling with a single nave, is decorated with large canvasses by Antonio Zanchi. Along the nave are painted depictions of the " Via Crucis" (1755–1756) or "Stations of the Cross" by various artists, including Francesco Zugno, Gianbattista Crosato, Gaspare Diziani, and Jacopo Marieschi. Another painting worthy of mention is Peter Paul Rubens' "Madonna and Child with Young St John", the only Venetian work by the Flemish artist, J. Tintoretto's fine "Four Evangelists" (which now hangs behind the altar), along with works by Alessandro Vittoria, Sebastiano Ricci, Giambattista Piazzetta, Palma il Giovane, and Gian Maria Morlaiter, all of which make this building an extraordinary compendium of the...

Also known as Santa Maria Zobenigo, this church is a stunning example of Venetian Baroque architecture, renowned for its richly decorated façade and remarkable artworks. It was originally founded in the 9th century by the Jubanico family. After being destroyed by two fires in 966 and again in 1105, the church was rebuilt several times. The current structure was designed by Giuseppe Sardi and constructed between 1678 and 1681, with funding from Admiral Antonio Barbaro. The elaborate façade, considered one of the most ornate in Venice, features sculptural representations of Barbaro’s military achievements and maps of cities...