Abbey Of Misericordia For Sale In Venice

The extraordinary Church of the Abbey of Misericordia is for sale in an exclusive position in the northern part of Venice, in the sestiere Cannaregio, overlooking the square of the same name.

Located along the Rio di Noale, which flows into the Sacca della Misericordia, this building was the set of international films such as 'Moonraker', part of the James Bond series, and 'Nosferatu in Venice', as well being a venue for exhibitions of the Biennale in more recent times.

Founded in the 10th century, the church is one of the oldest in Venice. Its first name was Santa Maria di Val Verde, from the original name of the island on which it was built. Already in 936 there are traces of a church in this area, whose foundation, according to Francesco Sansovino, is to be attributed to Cesare de Giuli, also called Andreardi, or jointly to the de Giuli and Moro families. In the thirteenth century, it was completely rebuilt, abandoning the Byzantine structure and acquiring a Gothic style. Its history is also linked to the Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Misericordia, which built two of its own buildings nearby, a hospital and some houses. In the 14th century, it was completely rebuilt and in 1659 a monumental stone facade was “applied” to a design by Moli; later, at the end of the 19th century, it underwent heavy alterations.

Having become a private property, today this splendid church is a magical place, an inspiration for art exhibitions, gala dinners, musical events, performances, workshops and conferences. It also enjoys three exclusive spaces annexed to it: the Chapel Club, its old side chapel at the corner with the Fondamenta, now transformed into a sophisticated space with a 1930s flavor, the Archives, two versatile post-industrial rooms, and the Clos, an intimate walled vineyard.

The interiors of the deconsecrated church measure 350 sqm and consist of a single nave, with a gable roof. The external stone facade is structured around a giant central order dominated by an arched tympanum and surrounded by two trabeated wings.

The top of the pediment is crowned by the statue of the Virgin, while the edges of the wings are pinecone acroteria. On the high protruding bases of the giant order there are two allegorical statues (the Charity and the Fortress); above the portal, in front of the rose window, the bust of Gasparo Moro accompanied by a scroll and sorrowful cherubs seated on books. All the sculptures are the work of Clemente Molli, who probably also designed the façade.

The bell tower in Venetian-Byzantine style, which can be glimpsed in the back, and the bas-relief depicting the Madonna and Child of the 14th-century school on the annex to the right of the facade, remain the last memories of the original structure.