Santa Caterina, Gothic former church in Cannaregio, Italy.
Santa Caterina is a Gothic church in Cannaregio with a distinctive roof shaped like a ship's keel. Inside, it contains two aisles and a spacious nuns' gallery, all constructed within the Gothic style.
The church was founded in the 11th century by Franciscan friars and underwent major reconstruction in the mid-15th century. It lost its religious function when Napoleon suppressed it in 1807.
The church once served as a repository for paintings by renowned artists that illustrated the lives of saints for the faithful. These works reflected the spiritual devotion that shaped this corner of Venice.
The building now functions as part of a school and is accessible only during specific exhibitions. You should check ahead if you want to see the interior spaces.
During World War I the building served as a military hospital treating wounded soldiers. After the conflict ended it was repurposed as an educational facility with an entirely new role.
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