Chiesa Di Santa Maria Formosa

Lonely Planet review

Rebuilt in 1492 by Mauro Codussi on the site of a 7th-century church, this house of worship bears a curious name stemming from the legend behind its initial foundation. San Magno, bishop of Oderzo, is said to have had a vision of the Virgin Mary on this spot. Not just any old vision, however: in this instance she was formosa (beautiful, curvy), which hardly seems in keeping with standard views of Our Lady.

The inside of the church was damaged when an Austrian bomb went off in 1916. Among the works of art to survive is an altarpiece by Palma il Vecchio depicting St Barbara, among other saints, and the body of Christ in his mother's arms. Just to the right of the main door (as you face it from the inside) is a 16th-century Byzantine icon, Santa Maria di Lepanto (St Mary of Lepanto). Next to the first chapel on the same side of the church is displayed an 8th-century Egyptian Coptic garment, claimed to be the veil of St Marina.