12. Tabernacle on
Fondamenta della Misericordia
This fine tabernacle is on the side of the Palasport or Scuola Nova
della Misericordia. The upper niche used to house a small statue of La
Pietà in white marble which was stolen in 1973. The niche was
built in
XVI-XVII century and was previously in the Scuola dei Mercanti.
The
antependium shows a beautiful bas relief of the Virgin protecting two
worshipers. Two merchant ships carrying cargo are on the side of
the
Madonna. The tabernacle was built to protect the fisherman of nearby
Rio de Noal.
How to get there. From
the vaporetto stop at Ca' d'Oro
take Calle Ca' d'Oro to Strada Nova,
turn left on Strada Nova. Cross the first bridge (Ponte Novo S. Felice)
and turn right immediately after the bridge on Fondamenta de la Chiesa
which soon becomes Fondamenta San Felice. Go to the end of the
fondamenta, about 200 m, (to your right you can admire the only bridge
without parapet in Venice, Ponte Chiodo - there is another one on the
island of Torcello) and turn left on Ramo de la Misericordia, cross the
bridge of the same name, and you will be on Fondamenta de la
Misericordia. The tabernacle is on the brick wall of the fondamenta.
