Hope everyone who celebrates Independence Day had a nice long holiday weekend!
Continuing with my series of shrines with connections to gondoliers and boatmen, this one isn't actually on a bridge but is adjacent to one, Ponte del Fontego, which enters into Campo Santa Giustina.
There used to be a traghetto landing here, and the shrine was erected in 1621 by the Scuola di Devozione dei Barcaroli (the guild of boatmen). Like several others, this shrine has bas-relief gondolas. This one is unique because it also has a couple of cheerful lions.
Originally this was a Marian shrine with a statue of Immacolata inside. Then for many years in the 20th century, the niche was empty. At some point, a group of locals restored the shrine and added a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Then in 2004, a statue of Santa Giustina was placed inside in honor of 1700 years since her martyrdom in 304 AD. Santa Giustina is an Italian saint from nearby Padua, and this campo is also home to a deconsecrated church dedicated to her. In the 7th century, this saint appeared to San Magno and told him to build this church in Venice for her.
The gondolas could use a good cleaning. Happy lions!
Comments (6)
Well researched Annie. As usual!
Posted by Andrew | July 6, 2011 4:04 AM
Posted on July 6, 2011 04:04
Hi Annie, this is a wonderful looking shrine too. And I love the happy lions. I have been really enjoying your series and have been learning a lot of interesting historical information. With the changes that have occurred, it must take a lot of time to research everything.
Thank you so much for taking the time and for sharing. Your photos of this wonderful shrine is great.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | July 6, 2011 8:46 AM
Posted on July 6, 2011 08:46
Thanks Andrew and Kathy. The research is fun even though there's not that much info out there about some of these older shrines. I get excited when I find anything!
Posted by Annie | July 6, 2011 8:56 AM
Posted on July 6, 2011 08:56
I feel like I've seen this one, must look through my photos. How lovely that it was restored recently!
Posted by Anne | July 7, 2011 2:39 PM
Posted on July 7, 2011 14:39
I'm fascinated by the effort that goes into restoring and sometimes updating these shrines! I wonder how often it's a secular effort (neighbours who care about the tradition) or when it's connected with a church?
Anyway, it's a wonderful find!
Posted by sandrac | July 7, 2011 6:47 PM
Posted on July 7, 2011 18:47
You have taken so many great shots in Italy. That sounds like fun seeing Harry Potter at the NCMA. I haven't seen a movie there in ages but have been a few times. I also went to the NCMA ampitheatre with my daughter when she was in high school to see some members of the Buena Vista Social Club perform. That was probably in 2002. I think that's the last time I saw a show there and the movies I saw were before then. Can't even remember what movies I saw. Maybe I'll get motivated to go back now that you have me thinking about it.
Posted by Carver | July 8, 2011 2:38 PM
Posted on July 8, 2011 14:38