Santa Maria della Pieta

The Church of the Pietà was built in the first half of the 18th century – a project by the architect Giorgio Massari and was consecrated in 1760.

The Governors of the Pieta Institute, who built the church, decided that the church was to perform the dual function of place of worship and auditorium. The “Daughters of Choro” performed and were taught music and bel canto by famous masters such as Antonio Vivaldi and Francesco Gasparini. Both composed original music for them to perform. They attracted large audiences including influential Venetian nobles, ambassadors and intellectuals.

Among the most prominent artworks displayed here are three frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and the main altarpiece with the Visitation of Mary in Santa Elisabetta, painted by Giambattista Piazzetta and completed by Giuseppe Angeli.

The Pietà institute was founded by decree of the Senate of the Republic of Venice in 1346. Franciscan friar Petruccio of Assisi collected the abandoned children of Venice and housed them in apartments donated by Venetian nobles. The Pieta Institute continues its work today.

The church is still a concert venue today with regular Vivaldi concerts.

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