San Domenico church

San Domenico Church, locally known as Chiesa di San Domenico, is a gem nestled on a quaint island in the picturesque lagoon city of Chioggia, Italy. This historic sanctuary stands as a testament to the enduring presence of the Dominican friars in Chioggia since the late 13th century. With its rich history, architectural beauty, and revered religious artifacts, San Domenico Church offers visitors a profound glimpse into the spiritual and cultural tapestry of this charming Venetian town.

The History of San Domenico Church

The origins of San Domenico Church date back to 1287, when it was decided to establish a Dominican convent on the island, which was then owned by the Benedictines of Venice. This marked the beginning of what would become known as the Island of San Domenico. By 1291, both the convent and the church were completed in Romanesque style, only to be damaged later during the War of Chioggia.

In 1569, the church became the final resting place of Bishop and theologian Jacopo Nacchianti, who had led the Diocese of Chioggia from 1544 until his death. Over the centuries, the church faced various challenges, including structural instability and a fire in the mid-17th century. Consequently, it was decided to rebuild the church, a project entrusted to the Venetian architect Pietro Pelli. Alongside the church, the convent was also renovated, though the Dominican friars were eventually removed in 1770 by a decree from the Senate of the Serenissima Republic. The convent was later transformed into a military zone by French troops and now serves as the local headquarters of the Guardia di Finanza.

Despite these changes, the church's jurisdiction passed from the Dominican friars to the Bishop of Chioggia, with a brief period from 1864 to 1866 when it was officiated by Jesuit priests. Today, the church is managed by independent rectors of the diocese.

Exploring San Domenico Church

As you approach San Domenico Church, the first thing that catches your eye is its distinctive Romanesque architecture, which has been meticulously preserved and restored over the centuries. The church's exterior exudes a sense of timeless elegance, with its simple yet striking façade and the 29-meter-high bell tower, which dates back to the 14th century. This bell tower, the oldest in Chioggia after that of San Andrea, is adorned with vertical flutings and topped with arches, housing three bells named Maria Rosaria, Maria Crocefissa, and Maria Domenicana.

Inside San Domenico Church

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a rectangular nave that spans 25 meters in width, 55 meters in length, and 21 meters in height. The interior is a treasure trove of religious art and historical artifacts, with several altars arranged in a clockwise direction. Among them, the Altar of San Pietro Martire features a painting by Andrea Vicentino, while the Altar of San Domenico boasts a statue created in 1910 by sculptor Arturo Ferraroni, based on a design by Aristide Naccari.

The main altar, crafted from white Carrara marble, was acquired in 1812 from the suppressed church of the Capuchin nuns of Pianto in Venice. It frames the church's most revered artifact, the grand crucifix, which is flanked by bas-reliefs depicting symbols of the Passion. Above the altar, the Latin words of Psalm 77:22 are inscribed, reminding visitors of the divine presence in the vastness of the sea.

Other notable altars include the Altar of San Vincenzo Ferreri, with a painting by local artist Antonio Vianelli, and the Baroque-style Altar of the Madonna del Rosario, adorned with red Verona marble and a mid-20th-century wooden statue by Angelo Righetti. The Altar of San Carlo, featuring a painting by Andrea Vicentino, completes the ensemble.

Artistic Treasures

San Domenico Church is also home to an impressive collection of paintings. The counter-façade displays four canvases by Pietro Damini, dating from 1619-20, depicting scenes such as Saint Dominic handing a rosary to a personification of the Venetian state and Saint Hyacinth of Poland saving shipwrecked sailors. Above the entrance, an anonymous artist's depiction of the death of Saint Dominic captures the viewer's attention.

On the northern wall, visitors can admire a prestigious painting by Vittore Carpaccio, titled Saint Paul Stigmatized, dated 1520. To the right of the main altar, Leandro Bassano's Deposition of Christ from the Cross evokes deep emotions, while to the left, Domenico Tintoretto's The Ecstasy of Saint Thomas adds to the church's artistic allure.

The Revered Crucifix

One of the most venerated artifacts in San Domenico Church is the grand crucifix, which measures 4.87 meters in height, 3.50 meters in width, and weighs 180 kilograms. The body of Christ, excluding the arms, is carved from a single block of willow wood, while the cross itself is made of red spruce. The crucifix's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to date back to the mid-14th century and is of Nordic origin. According to legend, the crucifix was fished out of the sea near the island of the Dominican friars after the ship carrying it sank.

The crucifix holds a special place in the hearts of Chioggia's fishermen, who often painted miniatures of it on their boats. It has been carried in processions through the city and the lagoon on several occasions, with the most memorable being the first procession in 1814, which required part of the church façade to be demolished to allow the crucifix to pass through.

Additional Highlights

San Domenico Church also houses an organ, with records of restoration work dating back to 1903. The most recent restoration and tuning were carried out in 1988 by Livio Volpato of Padua. Another fascinating feature is the collection of ex-votos, or tolèle in the local dialect, displayed in the chapel to the right of the entrance. These wooden tablets, commissioned by those who received divine favors, depict scenes of shipwrecks and other maritime incidents, with images of Christ, the Madonna del Rosario, and Saint Vincent Ferrer, to whom sailors often prayed for protection.

In conclusion, San Domenico Church is not just a place of worship but a repository of Chioggia's rich history and artistic heritage. Its serene ambiance, coupled with its stunning architecture and treasured artifacts, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this enchanting lagoon city.