We decided to go into the Chiesa di San Giacomo dall’Orio.  The church is part of the Chorus Association, which maintains and preserves some of the historic churches of Venice.  At the time of our visit, there were sixteen churches that were part of the Association.  One can either pay a single admission price to enter one of the churches, ranging from €2.50 to €3.00 per person, or buy a Chorus Pass for the cost of €12.00 per person, or €24.00 for a family pass.  The pass gives you one visit to each of the churches that are a part of Chorus, and as far as I am concerned, this is the way to go!  Even if you do not visit all the churches listed, it is a worthy investment, and generally makes life easier.  You may purchase the pass at any of the churches on the list, which is what we did upon entering the Chiesa di San Giacomo dall’Orio.

The church was founded in the 9th century, making it one of the oldest in Venice.  The building that we see today is the result of restorations carried out in 1225, and then again later, in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Behind the main altar, there is Lorenzo Lotto’s masterpiece, “Virgin Mary and Child with Apostles and Saints,” which dates from 1546.

A memorial plaque pays tribute to Nazario Sauro, an Austrian-born Italian sailor, who volunteered for the Italian Navy in World War I.  He was awarded the Silver Medal for his efforts in the war.  In 1916, the same year he was awarded the medal, the ship he was on crashed into rocks.  The crew was rescued, and imprisoned by the Austrians.  After being placed on trial for treason against Austria, Sauro was found guilty, and sentenced to death and hanged.

The Chiesa di San Simeone Profeta, also known as San Simeone Grande, dates from the year 967, when it was founded by three of the most important families in the area: the Ghisi, the Adoldi, and the Briosi.  Built of wood, it was destroyed in 1150 by a fire, and was then rebuilt in stone.

Two plaques honor those from the neighborhood who lost their lives protecting Italy in World War I.

Another plaque rests on the facade of the building where the musician Pietro Tonassi died, in 1877.

 

Next up: We continue exploring Venice, with stops at the Chiesa dei Santi Simone e Giuda, and other magical locations in this breathtaking city!

 

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Venice, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!