San Moise : The impressive altarpiece combines frescoes, sculptures and rocks to depict Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from God

San Moise : The interior of the church facing the altar

San Moise : The interior of the church facing the entrance

San Moise : The facade is deemed the most embellished in the city, with some Venetians finding it hideous, earning it a 'love to hate' reputation

San Moise : At night, the lavish facade appears even more surreal

San Moise : A photograph from the late 19th century depicts the church unchanged, much like it appears today

Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Moisè

Church of Saint Moses

Roman Catholic church with an over-the-top Baroque facade and an equally impressive altarpiece.

Free Admission

Sestiere San Marco

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San Marco (4-min walk)

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Highlights

Beginnings

Much of the present structure dates back to the 9th century, when a previous place of worship honoring San Vittore was rebuilt with funding from certain Moisè Venier, who dedicated it to his patron saint.

The present church

The church was again rebuilt in 1632, funded by the Fini family. The ostentatious facade glorifies their mercantile legacy, with Vincenzo Fini's bust atop the central obelisk, surrounded by angels, virtues and ... camels.

Baroque overload

Several statues were removed in the 19th century to prevent the facade from collapsing under their collective weight.

German craftsmanship

All the decoration on the facade was created by German sculptor Heinrich Meyring, who also carved the massive altar sculpture inside, seemingly out of rock. It depicts God handing the tablets to Moses.