The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Rosario, also known as the "Gesuati", is a church of the Dominican order. They used donations to finance the construction and interior design of a new church and opted for a gigantic façade with imposing columns. The interior features three vaulted frescoes designed by Giambattista Tiepolo with motifs from the Dominican order. Another highlight is an altarpiece by Tintoretto depicting the crucifixion of Jesus.
The name Gesuati comes from a religious order (Jesuits) that was dissolved in 1668 and had a church and, above all, a large monastery in this area, both of which were later taken over by the Dominicans.
The original church was not big enough for the Dominicans and in 1720 they decided to build a new, larger and architecturally more significant church.
The neoclassical-style building has a bright interior and is characterised by the fact that the original layout and rococo decoration have been preserved.
The church and almost all of its sculptures and paintings were created within thirty years: Construction began in 1725, the church was consecrated in 1743 and the last sculptural decoration was added in 1755.
The main portal, which is surmounted by a curved pediment with an inscription, is flanked by four large statues depicting the four cardinal virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance.
There are three frescoes on the ceiling, which were completed in 1739. Near the entrance is the Assumption of St Dominic into Heaven and near the altar is the Apparition of the Virgin, while in the centre is a large fresco, a masterpiece, depicting the institution of the rosary.
The interior in Venetian Baroque style has a single nave. The bright apsidal space with statues and bas-reliefs by Giovanni Maria Morlaiter and the wooden choir behind the large high altar are remarkable. The ceiling frescoes depicting the cycle of the Madonna of the Rosary, to whom the church is dedicated, are by Giovan Battista Tiepolo.
The side chapels are also richly decorated, with some paintings such as the Crucifixion by Tintoretto (third altar on the left) or in the first chapel on the left (St Dominic blessing a layman, by Tiepolo) standing out.
Mon.-Sat: 10:30 am - 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm - 5 pm
From Monday to Saturday, you can visit the church from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, with the last admission on these days being at 4.15 pm.Please also note that the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Rosario is closed on Sundays, 25 December, 1 January, Easter and 15 August.
The entrance ticket for the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio is included in the Venice City Pass.
The Church of the Gesuati or Santa Maria del Rosario is located in Dorsoduro along the Zattere.It can be reached by boat on lines 2, 6 and 5.1 from the Zattere stop. The church is located directly in front of the landing stage.
Zattere: Line 2, 5.1, 5.2, 6, 8, 10
Fondamenta delle Zattere ai Gesuati, 30123 Venice, Italy
Click here
to see on google maps
The entrance ticket for the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio is included in the >> Venice City Pass.
Free admission to Venice's museums, attractions, and tours. Free public transport can be added. Discounts included.
incl. VAT and service fees, free shipping via e-mail
