The Church of Santa Maria Assunta ai Gesuiti, usually called the Gesuiti, is a Baroque church in Venice’s Cannaregio district, near Fondamenta Nuove. Inside, green and white marble covers much of the space, alongside marble statues, paintings and a golden ceiling. Look beyond the main altar for a smaller shrine with early Baroque paintings on a wooden roof. The church is undergoing restoration, so some areas may be closed; the €1 entrance charge supports the work.
Baroque design in Cannaregio
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta ai Gesuiti stands in Cannaregio, behind Fondamenta Nuove, among residential buildings. It is also known simply as the Gesuiti. Architect Domenico Rossi carried out the work, commissioned by the Council of Trent, and the church was completed in 1728.
The façade is arranged in two tiers. Eight columns on the lower level support eight statues; four more columns and statues inside represent the remaining apostles, forming a group of twelve.
Marble, statues and paintings
The interior is known for its extensive green and white marble, used across the floor, walls and columns. Marble statues and paintings add to the dense decoration, while a golden ceiling draws the eye upward. The materials and ornament continue through the church, giving the interior a different character from its entrance wall.
At the altar, take time to look at the detailed marble figures. A smaller shrine has early Baroque paintings set against a wooden roof, offering a quieter detail to seek out beyond the main space.
Visiting during restoration
Restoration work is under way, and access to parts of the church may be restricted. The €1 entrance charge goes toward the restoration. The church is near Fondamenta Nuove, so it can fit into a walk through this part of Cannaregio or a visit to nearby Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli.
Perguntas frequentes
How much does it cost to enter the Church of Santa Maria Assunta ai Gesuiti?
The entrance charge is €1. The money supports the church’s restoration.
Is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta ai Gesuiti under restoration?
Yes. Restoration work is under way, and some areas may be closed to visitors.
What should I see inside the Gesuiti church?
Look for the green and white marble, the golden ceiling, the marble statues near the altar and the smaller shrine with early Baroque paintings on a wooden roof.
Where is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta ai Gesuiti?
It is in Cannaregio, near Fondamenta Nuove, at Salizada dei Spechieri, 4888, Venice.
