In the decade of 1470s, Virgin Mary's image Miracoli was credited with performing numerous miracles including bringing back a dead person to life. To commemorate this holy symbol, architect Pietro Lombardo constructed the iconic Santa Maria dei Miracoli church in the 1480s using only marble. Today, it stands as a relic, being one of the first monuments built using Venetian Renaissance architecture. Its stylish marble façade and interiors made from gray, pink and pure white marble draw tourists and locals alike for repeated visits. It is also remarkable for its architectural elements tweaked to give the impression of a spacious church, utilizing pilasters, arches and arcades in a clever manner. Due to its notable interior design, it is also a favored destination for fashionable weddings.
San Simeone Piccolo is relatively new as compared to some of the ancient churches of Venice. It was constructed for 20 years from the period of 1718 to 1738. Architect Giovanni Antonio Scalfarotto experimented with the Neoclassical style of architecture and drew inspiration from other styles as well to create an eclectic and unique structure. Though not as well known as some other popular tourist religious sites in Venice, this church draws its fair share of visitors due to its proximity to one of the major railway stations in the city. It features a pistachio green metallic dome which eclipses its beautiful white façade. This church faces the Grand Canal and is easily accessible by water, road and railway.
A elegant and classic patrician villa, the gorgeous Villa Cornaro is well known Renaissance house in Piombino Dese. This structure was built somewhere between 1553- 1554 for the younger son of a wealthy man. Architect Andrea Palladio who was known for his Renaissance designs, was behind this creation. Presently the villa is conserved by the Italian government as a World Heritage Site.
Palazzo Foscari Contarini is a beautiful palace in Venice, designed in the Renaissance style. The palace can be dated back to the 16th Century and has undergone several restoration works in the later years. It is located right at the Canal Grande and is currently owned and administered by the Italian National Institute for Work Injuries Prevention. The castle has beautiful architecture with mullioned windows and arches.
Fondaco dei Turchi is a magnificent palatial structure situated in the captivating city of Venice in Italy. It overlooks the spectacular Grand Canal, and is one of the most popular historic landmarks of the city. With its Veneto-Byzantine architectural style, this edifice is truly a sight to behold. It was designed and constructed by Giacomo Palmier in 13th Century. In bygone times, this site was used as a place of sojourn by the dignitaries visiting the city. In 17th Century, this place was mostly occupied by the Turkish populace. At present, it houses the Tegnùe Aquarium and the Ligabue Expedition Room - which has numerous exhibits pertaining to fossils.
Built by one of the most significant architects of his time, Andrea Palladio, Villa Saraceno was constructed around 1550 as both a cultured country retreat and a working farm. It is a testament to his typical designs, a strictly symmetrical plan with grand portico and generously proportioned rooms. Its architecture is absolutely striking and it consists of a large enclosed forecourt and a custodian’s cottage on the site. However time was not too kind to this marvellous structure. The villa caught fire in 1798 and was severely damaged, partitioned off and used as a community farmhouse in the late 1800s. It was further converted into tenement dwellings during World War II and by the 1980s it was totally abandoned, derelict and forgotten. It was 1989, that it was purchased by The Landmark Trust and completely renovated and restored to its former glory. Today, it is part of the Unesco World Heritage Site of the Palladian Villas of the Veneto.