I'd love to hear about your favorite churches in Venice (large and small) and why you like them.

Directly above the Campo della Confraternita is the Palladian Church of San Francesco della Vigna. The bas reliefs in the chapel to the left of the high altar are by the Lombardos, Renaissance sculptors. And inside a chapel farther to the left is Giovanni Bellini’s Madonna and Child with Saints. This church’s cloisters are a lovely tranquil spot. Just north of there is the Celestia vaporetto stop. In the past the church was open only on late afternoons from approx 3pm to 7pm.

Shadrach, stay away from furnaces.

Shadrach,

My favorite is the Church of Santa Maria dei Mirocoli...this tiny little chapel buried in the back streets of Venice really captivated me with its beauty, especially the ceiling, which is a gilded barrel vault, and beautifully decorated...it is in some ways very simple, just a single middle aisle, but there is a hush and an intimacy that was wonderful...it is like a little jewel box...

San Zaccaria because of Bellini's Madonna.
After returning from Venice, I read The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier. Unknown to me, the title references this very painting. What a kick to know that we found it just by happenstance while strolling through Venice.

Basilica San Marco -- one of the most spectacular sites in Byzantium

Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (on Torcello) -- Exceptionally delicate and haunting atmosphere

Santa Maria dei Miracoli -- like traviata said

Santa Maria Glorioso de'Frari -- not only for the Titian, but for the tomb of Canova and the intricately carved choir stalls

I also find the scuole of San Rocco and San Carmine stupendous.

Basilica San Marco - for the floor, and the extraordinary mosaics. I love going up into the museum (up those perilous stairs) and getting up close to the mosaics.
Torcello - because I'm usually the only one there!
Salute - because of the floor and the free organ recitals on Saturday's at 4pm.
San Georgio Maggiore-for the Palladiun design
Miracoli - as traviata said.

This is difficult but I'll try to limit myself
1)Santa Maria Gloriosa (Frari) for Titian's, Bellini, the Reliquery and wonderful sculptures. This church is truly a museum.
2) San Sebastiano-Veronese is my fav Venitian painter so this church is a must see for me.
3)Santo Stefano - for the 3 Tintoretto's, Veronese and the Tiopolo Stations of the Cross.
4)Basilica San Marco - WOW and don't miss the Pala d'Oro and Treasury.
5)Chiesa Santa Maria dei Carmine - for the beautiful red columns & Tintoretto. Also, the Scuola Grande dei Carmini has wonderful Tiopolo's.

ttt

bkmarking - great post >< , I am printing this to bring with us when we leave in a few days

Thanks everybody! Anybody else?

bkm

One of our favorites is the unassuming 17th century San Pantalon Church in the Dorsoduro district. It has a remarkable painted ceiling that took the artist 24 years to complete before he fell to his death from the scaffolding.

great thread! bookmarking it and printing for my upcoming trip!

Santi Maria e Donato (Murano) and Basilica di San Marco.

Just came back from Venice on Tuesday, and I have to say that most definitely it is Santa Maria dei Miracoli, what a beautiful church, in and out and the location as well!

Santa Maria dei Miracoli.. The marble, both on the exterior and interior , is so light and delicate. It is mentioned in John Berendt's "Beware of Falling Angels" as it was restored by an American group.

bookmarking for the trip...

Bookmarking for days when I am depressed

Bookmarking