San Simeone Piccolo

San Simeone Piccolo (also San Simone and Giuda called ) is a church in the Santa Croce district in Venice. It is located on the Grand Canal opposite the railway station Santa Lucia and provides thus for most visitors to the city 's first impression of Venice.

Church patrons are the Apostles Simon and Jude Thaddeus.

History

The medieval predecessor church, a long building ran parallel to the Grand Canal and was in the early 18th century in a state of decay. 1718 the architect Giovanni Antonio Scalfarotto was commissioned with the construction, which he completed in 1738. He created with this building one of the first classical building in Italy and probably the last completed church building in the Republic of Venice.

The Fraternity of Saint Peter has worked with Father Konrad zu Löwenstein -Wertheim -Freudenberg since 2006 in San Simeone.

Description

San Simeone Piccolo is the first Venetian church on a circular floor plan. The architect gave to the liturgical orientation towards the East and turned the axle so that it overlooks the Grand Canal. The façade is representing the portico with four columns and two three-piece supports on the sides, and a triangular pediment with a relief in the classic manner, the martyrdom of the patron saint. On the round building sits a crowned by a lantern, a little too disproportionate, oval dome.

The interior expands into deep niches, flanked by columns and open columns. The main sanctuary is elevated on three stages, enhanced by side niches and covered with a dome. In the high base of the church is a burial place, of an octagonal central space go from four courses. You are frescoed with Stations of the Cross and death representations and give the impression of catacombs.