Sestiere Castello
Parrocchia di Santa Maria Formosa
Church of Santa Maria Formosa
Catholic church situated in a quaint square surrounded by cafes and shops.
Rialto or S. Zaccaria (8-min walk)
santamariaformosa.it
Standard admission is €3.50. Free entrance with the Chorus pass or with the official city pass.
Additional resources
What makes it special
The unusual origin of the name
Legend says San Magno of Oderzo built the first church in the 7th century after a vision of the Holy Virgin as a voluptuous woman, inspiring the name 'Formosa', which is italian for curvy or buxom. The church underwent a transformation in 1492, adopting new baroque curves that once more reflect its fitting name.
A marble framed polyptych
Considered one of Palma il Vecchio's finest works, the polyptych titled 'Saint Barbara and Saints' depicts the patroness of soldiers and other perilous occupations.
The Campo
The church is nestled in a charming, relatively quiet square, just a short walk from the bustling Piazza San Marco.
Why visit Santa Maria Formosa
The perfect spot to recharge before continuing your exploration of the surrounding sights.
Free entry with:
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Chorus Pass
Gain entry to this church and all the additional 19 on the Chorus circuit with a single, exceptional value ticket.
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Official City Pass
Includes the Chorus pass and offers cost-effective, direct entry to 12 other top spots, including Palazzo Ducale.
Connect the dots
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Palma Il Vecchio
He is renowned for his graceful compositions and delicate portrayal of religious themes and figures, blending realism with idealized beauty.
Nearby
These top spots are steps away from Santa Maria Formosa:
super close
Fondazione Querini Stampalia
tops 5 mins
Palazzo Grimani
tops 5 mins
Libreria Acqua Alta
tops 5 mins
Santi Giovanni e Paolo
5-10 min away
Santa Maria dei Miracoli
5-10 min away
Scuola di San Marco
5-10 min away
San Zaccaria
