La Maddalena, Neoclassical church in Cannaregio, Venice, Italy
La Maddalena is a church with a circular floor plan in Cannaregio, designed after the Pantheon in Rome. The central space is surrounded by four side chapels that connect to the central presbytery.
Construction began in 1760 under architect Tommaso Temanza, replacing an earlier church from 1222 that belonged to the Balbo family. This rebuilding marked the transition from a medieval to a modern sanctuary.
The entrance displays masonic symbols linked to the Knights Templar through the Balbo family's historical ties. Visitors passing through notice these carved details that reflect the building's past associations.
The building remains an active place of worship with regular services and ceremonies throughout the year. It is accessible to visitors who wish to explore the neoclassical architecture and interior space.
A 15th-century bas-relief of Madonna with Child is preserved on the exterior apse wall, showing artistic treasures from the original site. This fragment connects the medieval sanctuary to the later neoclassical building.
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