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In the Church of Saint Martin in Venice, in the Castello district, we celebrate St Martin’s day, that is November 11th every year.
Learn all about Church of Saint Martin Venice in this guide by Venice Insider Guide.
Church of Saint Martin in Venice, Italy (Chiesa di San Martino)
The Church of Saint Martin Venice is a Roman Catholic Renaissance church, located in the Castello district in northern Italy.
So, the Church history is as interesting as it is important.
Church of Saint Martin Venice: art in Castello district
The Church of Saint Martin Venice (Chiesa di San Martino) is one of the historic churches in the Castello district, not far from the Arsenal. The current building dates back to the 16th century and was designed by Jacopo Sansovino; the previous one is much older.
Where is Church of Saint Martin Venice
Where is Church of San Martin in Venice?
Castello district, Arsenale area — coordinates and location are reported in local guides and historical maps of the city. It’s within walking distance from fondamenta and nearby calli after getting off the vaporetto Arsenale.
When to visit Church of Saint Martin Venice: November 11th
The liturgical feast of St Martin is November 11th: on this day (and the days before) the Church of Saint Martin Venice and the neighborhood may have events, celebrations and popular reenactments related to the tradition. If you want to live the local atmosphere, this is the day.
Church of Saint Martin Venice is one of the oldest in the city
According to traditional sources, the Church of Saint Martin Venice has medieval origins: the foundation is dated back to the beginning of the 7th century (or at least between 7th-10th century in different reconstructions) and the structure underwent several changes over time until the Renaissance reconstruction.
Saint Martin, Bishop of Tours (Saint Martin Bishop)
The patron is Saint Martin of Tours, very venerated in Venice: local traditions and relics have fueled the devotion over time.
Venetian children prepare a San Martin biscuit
A popular Venetian tradition for the saint’s day (November 11th) is that children go around the streets singing and banging pots and pans, and eating a big biscuit shaped like a knight (the “San Martin biscuit”) decorated with confetti or cotognata. This custom is still alive in many parts of the city.
Founded in the 6th century — the current building is 16th century
The Church of Saint Martin Venice has ancient origins (according to medieval tradition) but the Renaissance look we see today comes from the 16th century reconstruction and the project attributed to Jacopo Sansovino who rearranged and redefined the spaces of the Church of San Martin Venice.
How to get to Church of Saint Martin Venice
The Church of Saint Martin Venice is near the Arsenal: the easiest way to get there is by vaporetto, getting off at the Arsenale stop and then walking in the Castello district. This location makes it easily insertable in an itinerary that includes the less touristy and more authentic areas of Venice.
The project of Church of San Martin Venice is by Jacopo Sansovino
The 16th century intervention is attributed to Jacopo Sansovino and also involved the rotation of the plan and an internal reorganization that defined the Renaissance look in Venetian architecture.
What to see inside Church of Saint Martin Venice
Inside the Church of Saint Martin Venice you will find:
- Organ balaustra with scenes of the Last Supper and other decorations; the church also has the Last Supper/Resurrection attributed to Gerolamo (Girolamo) Santacroce dated 1549.
- Funerary monument to Doge Francesco Erizzo (1633) designed by Mattia Carnero (sometimes cited as Matteo Carneri/Carnero).
- Madonna Addolorata and a Deposition by Palma il Giovane (Jacopo Palma il Giovane).
- Small altar by Tullio Lombardo, brought here from another church (Santo Sepolcro) and used as a baptistery in the past.
In the sacristy and chapels you will find further frescoes and paintings (including works by Fabio Canal, Girolamo Santacroce, Antonio Zanchi and other authors mentioned in historical guides).
Church of St Martin Venice: religious procession
Historically the Church of Saint Martin Venice was the center of processions related to the cult of the saint and popular devotion; the presence of relics and confraternities linked to the oratory reinforced the religious practice and collective memory of the neighborhood.
Some of these rites have changed over time but are still present in the city’s festivals.
Why visit Church of Saint Martin Venice
Why visit the Church of Saint Martin Venice?
- Art and history: has works by famous authors and funerary monuments of great historical value.
- Urban context: in a genuine corner of Castello, near the Arsenal, perfect for less touristy itineraries.
- Local tradition: the San Martin festival and popular customs are an opportunity to see contemporary Venetian culture.
Description of Church of Saint Martin Venice
Exterior: the Church of Saint Martin Venice has a simple but harmonious brick façade with Renaissance/rustic elements typical of less decorated Venetian churches.
Interior: not monumental like some of the city’s basilicas, but rich in pictorial and sculptural heritage in the side chapels and sacristy.
Notable elements: main altar with marble tabernacle, side chapels with paintings and frescoes, and the small Renaissance altar by Tullio Lombardo.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Church of Saint Martin Venice
Is the Church of Saint Martin Venice open to the public?
In most cases the church is open to the public during worship hours and at set hours by the parishes; for guided tours or special access please check the local schedule or contact the parish.
Are there specialized tours on the internal art?
Some local guides and Castello cultural tours include the Church of St Martin Venice; book in advance during peak season.
Is it near the Arsenal and museums?
Yes: the location is very convenient for those visiting the Arsenal and walking in the Castello sestiere.
When is the San Martin festival and what to expect?
November 11th: popular traditions, children’s rhymes and San Martin biscuit consumption.
Conclusion
Church of Saint Martin Venice is a must-see for those looking for an experience that combines art, history and popular Venetian tradition.
Not one of the city’s most monumental churches, but its authenticity, internal works and location in the Castello district make it a visit that enriches any itinerary.
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