In Cannaregio, the Church of Madonna dell'Orto is a 14th-century Gothic brick church known for its connection to the painter Tintoretto. Inside, look for his Presentation of the Virgin, The Last Judgment and Adoration of the Golden Calf, along with Palma il Giovane’s Crucifixion in the Morosini Chapel. Tintoretto is buried here, in a chapel beside the altar. Its quieter setting in northern Cannaregio makes the church a good stop for seeing Venetian art away from the city’s busiest routes.
A Gothic church in Cannaregio
Madonna dell’Orto stands in the Cannaregio district of Venice. Built in the 14th century, it is a Gothic brick church. It was first dedicated to Saint Christopher and was later named for a statue of the Virgin Mary made by Giovanni de Santi. The statue’s arrival gave the church the name Madonna dell’Orto, meaning Madonna of the Orchard.
The church was Tintoretto’s parish church. The Venetian Renaissance painter lived nearby, filled the church with paintings and was buried there. Its art and his tomb make the church a useful stop for anyone tracing his work in Venice.
Paintings to look for
Tintoretto’s works include the Presentation of the Virgin, The Last Judgment and Adoration of the Golden Calf. The Presentation and the monumental altarpieces show different sides of his work; The Last Judgment is in the choir. His tomb is in a chapel beside the altar.
Look also for Palma il Giovane’s Crucifixion in the Morosini Chapel. Cima’s Saint John the Baptist with Other Saints is another notable work, recognised for its precise detail and controlled colour. These works give you more to look for beyond the church’s best-known Tintoretto paintings.
The church’s name and setting
The name Madonna dell’Orto is linked to the statue of the Virgin Mary by Giovanni de Santi. The church had previously been known as Saint Christopher’s; after the statue arrived, it became associated with the name used for the Madonna of the Orchard.
The church sits in a quieter part of Cannaregio, away from Venice’s busiest tourist routes. Its brick Gothic exterior and distinctive bell tower are worth noticing before you go inside. A weekday visit may be calmer; once there, take your time with the paintings and chapels.
FAQ
Where is the Church of Madonna dell'Orto?
It is in Cannaregio, at Cannaregio 3512 in Venice.
Which Tintoretto paintings can you see there?
Works include the Presentation of the Virgin, The Last Judgment and Adoration of the Golden Calf.
Is Tintoretto buried at Madonna dell'Orto?
Yes. His tomb is in a chapel beside the altar.
What else should you look for inside?
Look for Palma il Giovane’s Crucifixion in the Morosini Chapel and Cima’s Saint John the Baptist with Other Saints.
