Venice, Italy

If you ever travel to Venice, Italy and have some time to visit the local attractions, be sure to stop by the Museo Diocesano d’Arte Sacra. Just across the narrow Rio del Palazzo, behind the Palazzo Decale but hidden in a labyrinth of streets, stands the former monastery of Sant’Apollonia, a great refuge from the crowds of Piazza San Marco. Many Venetian churches have been closed over the years, and the Museo Diocesana is the repository for the treasure they once contained, as well as the temporary home for sculpture and paintings undergoing restoration. It also stages exhibitions of religious art work. It’s chief treasure though, is the exquisite cloister, with its rounded arches, Istrian stone columns and mellow brickwork. This great attraction will have you dropping your jaw at the site of all the treasures that have been stored, restored and presented all in one location.

Built in the early 14th century, it features the only wholly Romanesques cloister in Venice and various off-cuts of the neighbouring Bascilica di San Marco, dating back to its 9th-century foundations. Several works by Luca Giordana are on permanent displays, moved here from the Church of Sant’Aponal. Other highlights are Supper in the Pharisee’’s House by Moretto da Brescia and a portrait of St. John the Almoner (Giovanni Elemosinario) by Titian. The museum has two workshops staffed by volunteers who are slowly restoring its collection of painting and statues.

The Museo Diocesano d’Arte Sacra will satisfy your need for art and culture. Make sure not to miss this attraction.

For more information about travel destinations in Venice, Italy visit www.GuidedTourVenice.com.