The San Trovaso Church in Venice has the unique feature of having two almost identical façades. The main attraction of the church is the Santissimo Sacramento Chapel, which includes a painting by Tintoretto.
San Trovaso Church Venice
Address, opening times and admission
Address Chiesa di San Trovaso: Dorsoduro 1098 – Venice (tel. +39 ). Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 14:30 – 17:30. Entrance fee: Free of charge. Public transportation: Lines 2, 6, 8, 10, 16, 5.1, 5.2, B, N (stop Zattere).
History and description
Founded in the 9th century, the San Trovaso Church is dedicated to two martyrs from Milan named Gervasio and Protasio.
Until at least the 11th century it was also dedicated to San Crisogono, whose remains were also kept in the church. After the church collapsed in 1583, however, his tomb was not found.
After a fire in 1105, the church had to be rebuilt from the ground up.
In 1585 the church was completely renovated according to Palladian theories. At first it was even thought that Palladio himself had been the architect, but now it is assumed to have been his pupil Smeraldi.
During a major restoration in 1857 several altars and other works of art were replaced.
What makes the church unique is its double facade. The façades on the Rio di Ognissanti and on the Rio di San Trovaso side are almost identical.
The rather low bell tower was added during the 16th century rebuilding.
The main works of art are paintings by Jacopo and Domenico Tintoretto and two altarpieces by Palma il Giovane.
The square in front of the church is marked by an elevation that was necessary to preserve the containers made of clay in which rainwater was collected and filtered.
Santissimo Sacramento chapel
The Cappella del Santissimo Sacramento is located in the left arm of the transept. Of all the chapels in the church, this is the one with the most sculptures. However, the most important work of art is “The Last Supper” by Tintoretto, which he painted between 1564 and 1566. The chapel also houses an old copy of Tintoretto’s “Washing of the Feet,” the original of which is on display in London’s National Gallery.