Santo Stefano, Venice, Gothic church in San Marco, Venice, Italy
Santo Stefano is a Gothic church in Venice with red and white marble columns supporting a wooden ceiling shaped like an inverted ship's hull. The interior showcases this unusual architectural solution, demonstrating the craftsmanship of builders who adapted the design to the church's needs.
The Augustinians began constructing Santo Stefano in 1294 and completed the structure by 1325, with modifications added in the 15th century. These building phases shaped the church's current appearance and reflect how Gothic style evolved during this period.
The church served as a center for the Augustinian order and their spiritual practices, a role that shaped its interior arrangement and decoration. Visitors today still sense this religious dedication when moving through the quiet spaces filled with devotional artworks.
The building is easily accessible on foot and welcomes visitors who wish to explore the interior architecture. Plan to spend time observing the ceiling details and marble columns, as these features define the character of this church.
During low tide, visitors can navigate by gondola beneath the church choir through the Rio del Santissimo waterway and view the structure from below. This experience reveals how Venice's waters and architecture are inseparably linked.
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