U.S. Funds Restore Key Venice Church

A small gem of a church in Venice, Italy, called a “masterpiece of 15th century architecture,” reopened this month after a 10-year, American-led restoration effort that included funds from the Los Angeles-based Getty Grant Program.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli, which seats only about 200, is the only Venice church other than the Basilica of San Marco that is clad inside and out with marble, according to Beatrice Guthrie, executive director of the New York-based nonprofit group Save Venice Inc. It contains figures by renowned Venetian sculptor Pietro Lombardo and his sons, a ceiling with images of Old Testament kings and prophets, and a 15th century painting of the Madonna venerated as an icon.

The church has been shut for about three years by the $3.5 million restoration, which drew on $285,000 from the Getty, $300,000 from the estate of New York schoolteacher Carmela Gennaro and other private funds, Guthrie added. Entrance to the church, in the city’s Cannaregio section near Santa Maria Nova Square, is free. Information: fax Save Venice at 011-39-41-52-31-843.