One of the Jewels in the Venetian Crown

Walking Tours of Venice

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

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The exquisite church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (1481-89), one of the jewels in the Venetian crown, was designed and built by sculptor-architect, Pietro Lombardo (c. 1435-1515), to house a miracle-working image of the Madonna and Child (1407) by Niccolo di Pietro Paradisi.

No expense was spared in the use of materials; both the exterior and the interior are clad with costly marble revetments.

​Santa Maria dei Miracoli is made up of a single nave. The vault is adorned with fifty wooden panels, painted with the heads of prophets and saints, the work of Pier Maria Pennacchi (1528).

The chancel stands two and a half metres higher than the nave so as to give the congregation a clear view of the venerated image on the high altar.

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Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Interior of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Virgin and Child by Niccolo di Pietro