Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta (Malamocco)

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is the parish church of Malamocco on the Lido. It preserves the ecclesiastical memory of ancient Metamauco, an early lagoon centre whose cathedral and bishopric were later transferred to Chioggia.

Why it matters

The present church was founded in the twelfth century in Malamocco nuovo, after the older settlement was abandoned. It is remembered as the heir to the cathedral of ancient Metamauco. Later restructurings, artworks and traditions connect the church to both the lagoon's early Christian history and the working community of Malamocco.

What to notice

The Baroque façade is divided into three parts by pilasters and topped with small arches. Its Gothic portal bears the initials of Benedetto Belegno, podestà of Malamocco in 1494. Inside, a single nave has a vaulted ceiling described as resembling an upturned hull. The high altar holds an Assumption attributed to the school of Tintoretto. A side painting by Girolamo Forabosco depicts a rescue from shipwreck. The Romanesque bell tower, inspired by San Marco, rises above the low houses of the borgo.

Context and history

The church was restructured in the fifteenth century and again in 1557, when broad arched windows were opened along the south side. A crucifix from Poveglia was transferred here in 1809, and the statue of the Madonna della Marina is linked by local tradition with a vow made when her Renaissance church was demolished. The church passed to the Patriarchate of Venice in 1919. Later works included a new floor in 1917, a marble altar mensa in 1995 and a restoration completed in 2005.