Chiesa dell’Angelo Raffaele is a Catholic church in Dorsoduro, near San Basilio and away from Venice’s busiest tourist routes. Inside, look for frescoes, paintings and the church’s depictions of the story of Tobias and the Archangel Raphael. The entrance portal has a sculpture of the angel with Tobias by Sebastiano Mariani; paintings of the Stories of Tobias are attributed to Gianantonio Guardi. The quiet setting makes this a restful stop, and the church is one of only two in Venice that can be walked all the way around.
A church in Dorsoduro
Chiesa dell’Angelo Raffaele, also called the Church of San Raffaele Arcangelo, stands in Dorsoduro near San Basilio. It is outside the main tourist routes, in an area traditionally associated with the older parts of Venice. The church is one of only two in the city that can be walked all the way around.
Tradition links the church to San Magno, bishop of Oderzo, and counts it among eight churches he founded. The present structure follows a Greek-cross plan, continuing the layout of an earlier building. Its main facade faces the Rio dell’Angelo Raffaele; the side entrance is more commonly used by people on foot.
The Angel Raphael and Tobias
The sculpture above the entrance portal shows the Angel Raphael with Tobias and is by Sebastiano Mariani. Inside, look for paintings depicting the Stories of Tobias, attributed to Gianantonio Guardi. The subject is also central to the church’s identity: the building is dedicated to the archangel who accompanies Tobias in the biblical story.
Paintings, frescoes and sculptures give the interior its visual interest. Take a moment to look around the church and up at the ceiling, where details can be easy to miss if you leave quickly.
Planning your visit
The church is a place of worship, so enter quietly and dress respectfully. Its quieter location makes it a useful stop when you want a pause away from the busiest routes through Venice. The church has a parish website where you can check current visitor information before setting out.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Chiesa dell’Angelo Raffaele?
It is in Dorsoduro, near San Basilio, at Dorsoduro 1744 in Venice.
What can you see inside the church?
Look for frescoes, paintings and works connected to Tobias and the Archangel Raphael. The portal sculpture by Sebastiano Mariani depicts the angel with Tobias.
Can you walk around the church?
Yes. It is one of only two churches in Venice that can be walked all the way around.
