BASILICA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA

Here you are in the oldest religious building in the lagoon. Sober and elegant, the Byzantine basilica stands near the remains of the Baptistery, Santa Fosca and two Gothic palaces. Erected in 641, it was largely reworked in the 9th and 11th centuries. The interior, of great solemnity, is divided into three naves by 18 Greek marble columns. The relics of the first bishop of Venice are kept in a Roman sarcophagus near the altar. The mosaic decoration carried out between the 11th and 12th centuries, with its wealth and unparalleled luminosity, is an absolute masterpiece. Extremely rich, it contrasts sharply with the sobriety of the construction. The reverse side of the façade, in particular, is covered with a splendid mosaic representing the Last Judgement, which is rich in detail. Divided into six registers, this theme must be read from top to bottom. It is divided into two parts: the Judgment itself in the lower part, and the death and resurrection of Christ in the upper part. Particularly impressive is the representation of the damned in the lower register. In the arch of the apse, an Annunciation shows the Virgin with a spindle in her hand; in the centre of the apse is the Virgin with Child. The window in the east symbolizes Christ; right next to it the apostles walk through a field of poppies. In the apse on the right, Christ is enthroned surrounded by the archangels Michael and Gabriel. In the lower register you can see the Doctors of the Church. Finally, the mosaics on the ridge vault (Four angels carrying the mystical lamb) are reminiscent of those of Ravenna; it is not impossible that the same artists worked in both places. A remarkable iconostasis, a 15th century Byzantine work of art, supported by columns, separates the central nave from the choir. The twelve apostles surrounding the Virgin and Child are admired. The capitals of the small columns that support it display a sculpted decoration of peacocks, lions and ducks of rare beauty. Small curiosity in the garden at the entrance: notice a marble seat from the ^5th century which would have been used by Attila, king of the Huns...

At the back of the basilica rises the bell tower. Erected in the 11th century, it was used to control navigation in the lagoon. The climb is quite tough, but the beauty of the panorama at the top will reward your efforts. Soak up the silence of the place, especially if you go there in low season.