This is one of the largest and most elaborate shrines I found. It’s in Castello, not far from the church of Sant’ Isepo (San Guiseppe di Castello, dedicated to St. Joseph).
I can’t find any information about its history besides a brief mention in DK’s Eyewitness Venice Top Ten guidebook which says that it’s a memorial shrine dating back to the 1600’s.
Someone certainly is taking very good care of it. Fresh paint, lots of fresh flowers, amazingly clean lace curtains and altar cloths. I wonder who takes care of shrines like this – ladies from the local church, ladies in the neighborhood, anyone who feels inspired?
Another nice detail is the old framed photo hanging on the door that shows women from the past sitting in front of that very shrine sewing or making lace perhaps.
I’ll get back to churches one of these days, in case you’re wondering if I'm going to change the name of this blog to “Street Shrines in Venice.” (smile)
Comments (5)
Hi Annie, as always I'm really enjoying your blog. I had to smile when I read this entry because I also thought to myself when coming across a shrine with flowers who places them there and then wonder about their story. Looking forward to your next entry.
Posted by trekcapri (Kathy) | January 10, 2008 10:24 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 10:24
Hey, have you read Frances Mayes' little coffee table book on shrines? I really enjoyed it. I got it from Amazon.
I'm a very big shrine fan too. :)
Posted by Leslie | January 10, 2008 5:29 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 17:29
It's amazing. I wonder how you maintain the continuity on such a thing?
Posted by Kim | January 11, 2008 10:38 AM
Posted on January 11, 2008 10:38
The watches are really fun, and for that price...
I had to put new batteries in them after a year, but the back opened up easily, the batteries were $4 each, and they are all working perfectly.
Yes, I followed Frances' move a while back. Her daughter moved there and now she is closer to her and her grandson.
That reminds me... shrine posts...
Posted by Leslie | January 11, 2008 7:45 PM
Posted on January 11, 2008 19:45
Hi, Anne. I republished an article I wrote years ago about this Madonna on my blog, VENETIAN CAT - VENICE BLOG (http://venetiancat.blogspot.com), and used your photos. I gave the credit "Anne" and the name of your blog, CHURCHES IN VENICE, with the link. If that's not okay, or there's something you'd like to change, please let me know.
Thanks!
Cat Bauer
HI Cat, thanks for asking. I enjoyed reading your article and learning more about this beautiful shrine. Annie
Posted by Cat Bauer | August 5, 2008 1:33 PM
Posted on August 5, 2008 13:33