Duomo di San Donà

The Duomo di San Donà, officially known as the Duomo di Santa Maria delle Grazie, stands as the principal church of San Donà di Piave, a charming town nestled in the Metropolitan City of Venice. This magnificent cathedral, with its rich history and stunning architecture, is a must-visit for anyone exploring this region of Italy.

The Historical Journey

The story of the Duomo di San Donà begins in 1476 when Francesco Marcello and Angelo Trevisan, the holders of the demesne rights of the Gastaldia of San Donà, received permission from Pope Sixtus IV to build a new church. This need arose due to the destruction of almost all existing churches in the area caused by wars and floods of the Piave River. The chapel, dedicated to Santa Maria delle Grazie, was consecrated in July 1480 by the Bishop of Treviso, Giovanni Dacre.

Initially, the chapel was quite austere, lacking any internal decoration and a bell tower. Over the years, it underwent various phases of enhancement and expansion. By 1505, under the initiative of the Venetian curate Daniele De Marchi, the church received its first embellishments and a small bell tower. The construction of a more substantial bell tower began towards the end of the 16th century, marking a significant transformation in the church's structure.

Rebuilding and Renovations

Despite several restorations, by the 19th century, the old church could no longer accommodate the growing population. Between 1838 and 1841, a new parish church was built by the architect Giovanni Battista Meduna, based on a design by Antonio Diedo. This period also saw the commissioning of several artworks by the painter Carlo Zatti, although many of these were lost during World War I.

The church and its bell tower were almost completely destroyed by Italian artillery during World War I. The reconstruction, led by Venetian architect Giuseppe Torres, began in 1919 and was completed in 1923. The new church was consecrated on September 19, 1925, by the Bishop of Treviso, Andrea Giacinto Longhin.

Architectural Marvels

The Duomo di San Donà is a masterpiece of architectural design. The façade is characterized by a pronaos supported by eight fluted Corinthian columns and topped with statues representing the three theological virtues. The tympanum above the façade is adorned with statues of the Madonna, Saint Peter, and Saint Paul. To the left of the central portal, a niche houses a wooden crucifix found among the ruins of the old cathedral, while a bust to the right commemorates Archpriest Luigi Saretta.

The bell tower, standing 74 meters tall, houses six bells and is an iconic feature of the cathedral. The original bell tower, completed in 1902, was demolished during World War I and rebuilt in 1922. The new tower, designed by Giuseppe Torres, features brickwork with faux ashlar at the base, arched windows, and a belfry adorned with pilasters topped with lion heads. An octagonal drum supports the spire, crowned by a bronze statue of an angel, which replaced the original wooden statue struck by lightning in 1966.

Interior Splendor

Inside, the Duomo di San Donà boasts a single nave covered by a barrel vault, punctuated by Corinthian half-columns and adorned with twelve panels depicting the apostles by Brescian artist Alberto Rava. Six intercommunicating side chapels expand the space and house various works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries. On the right side, the chapels are dedicated to Saint Joseph, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and works of mercy. On the left, they honor Saint John the Baptist, Saint Anthony of Padua, and the baptismal font.

The presbytery features a large bronze crucifix above the main altar, flanked by two Carrara marble statues from the previous church, representing the Madonna of the Rosary and Saint Francis of Assisi. The rear wall of the nave, beside the main entrance, bears a plaque commemorating the grant of the church's patronage to the Trevisan family by Pope Sixtus IV in 1476.

Musical Heritage

The cathedral also houses a historic organ built in 1924 by the Mascioni company of Varese, replacing an earlier instrument destroyed during the war. Positioned behind the main altar in a carved walnut case, the organ features a Barker lever transmission system, enhancing the church's rich musical heritage.

In the chapel of the Eucharistic reserve, to the right of the altar, a mosaic cycle by Slovenian Jesuit artist Marko Ivan Rupnik and the Aletti Center was installed in May 2021, adding a contemporary touch to the cathedral's artistic collection.

The Duomo di San Donà is not just a place of worship but a testament to the resilience and artistic heritage of San Donà di Piave. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and artistic treasures make it a captivating destination for visitors and a proud symbol of the community's enduring spirit.