San Vidal Church Church

San Vidal, a church turned baroque concert hall

At one end of Campo Santo Stefano, the church of San Vidal (Saint Vital) is said to have been founded in 1084 under the dogate of Vitale Falier. Destroyed by the great fire of 1105, it was rebuilt and remodeled several times. At the end of the 17th century, a new project entrusted to Antonio Gaspari was intended to celebrate Doge Francesco Morosini, but it was abandoned by his heirs. The building finally assumed its current appearance in the 18th century, with the classical facade executed by Andrea Tirali between 1734 and 1737.

The interior, with a single nave, preserves several important works. Above the high altar is the large Saint Vital on Horseback and Eight Saints, painted in 1514 by Vittore Carpaccio. The saint appears on a white horse, surrounded by figures arranged on either side of the scene. San Vidal also houses paintings by Sebastiano Ricci, Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini, and Giovanni Battista Piazzetta.

This new function has allowed San Vidal to maintain a unique place in the cultural life of Venice. Today one enters less to tour a church-museum than to discover its architecture and works in the context of a concert, with the high altar and historical paintings as a backdrop.

Its location also makes it a natural stop on one of the main pedestrian routes in the center of Venice, in the immediate vicinity of the Grand Canal and on the path connecting Dorsoduro to the heart of San Marco.

Visiting tips

The Interpreti Veneziani offer regular programming at San Vidal, but some concerts may also be organized in other venues in Venice. It is therefore best to consult the official calendar before visiting. Access conditions to the church outside of concerts and cultural events may vary.

Sources and additional information

Interpreti Veneziani - concert season ; Chorus Venezia ; Wikipedia - San Vidal, Venice.