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Madonna dell'Orto : The 'Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple' was initially created as two vertical halves, a fact easily noticeable at the bottom, particularly in the child's dress

Chiesa della Madonna dell'Orto

Church of Madonna dell'Orto

Gothic church adorned with 10 impressive paintings by Tintoretto, who is also buried within.

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Standard admission is €3.50. Free entrance with the Chorus pass or with the official city pass.

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What makes it special

15-meter (50-foot) high canvases

The pentagonal apse is decorated with paintings by Jacopo Robusti, known as Tintoretto, including two giant canvases on the sides: 'The Last Judgment' and 'The Adoration of the Golden Calf', both from 1563.

Secrets and symbolism

If you notice a vertical seam in the 'Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple', it's because the painting originally decorated the outer sides of organ doors. The musical connection is echoed in the monumental 15-step staircase, symbolizing the 15 psalms sung by pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem.

Origin of the name

It may sound unusual, but 'Virgin Mary in the Vegetable Garden' is a correct translation. The name comes from a legend about a miraculous statue once found in a nearby garden.

Elegant Facade

The inclined galleries, with their niches each sheltering a statue of an apostle, are a one-of-a-kind sight in Venice.

Madonna dell'Orto : Statues of the Apostles are among the numerous intricate details found in the facade

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Why visit Madonna dell'Orto

  • Marvel at the striking brick facade and dramatic rose window.
  • Step inside one of Venice’s most atmospheric Gothic churches.
  • Admire Tintoretto’s large-scale art.
Madonna dell'Orto : Opposite of 'The last judgment' stands the equally impressive 'Worship of the Golden Calf'

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Connect the dots

Nearby

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