AN HISTORIC CHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 12 October 1916, Page 51

AN HISTORIC CHURCH

A Rome correspondent, writing under date August 21, says:— The historic church of Santa Maria Formosa was destroyed during Thursday’s air raid over Venice. The church was visited by nearly every traveller. It was one of the oldest in Venice, having been built in the beginning of the twelfth century, but frequently remodelled and out of all semblance to the original design. Most of the precious Palma Vecchio and ocher art treasures which decorated the church were removed from the city a year ago and are safely stored in an inland depository. But the beautiful mosaics of the dome, from designs by Palma Vecchio, were destroyed. Careful measures have been taken to protect the buildings in Venice. Every arch (and. there are about a hundred in the Doge’s Palace alone) is walled up, while sand, put in sacks, has been used to protect the roofs and walls throughout the city. It is said that 25,000 sacks were used for St. Mark’s alone. The Pope is reported much distressed at the ruin of the Formosa church, which was dear to all Catholics. Pius' X., who was a Venitian, frequently visited there, the Palma Vecchio painting over the altar being a great favorite with him. It is stated that Pope Benedict has instructed the clergy in Venice to give him all the details of the destruction, but as Venice is a fortified place it is unlikely that the Pope will . protest to the Austrian Government. The Church of Santa Maria Formosa was built in 842 and restored by Paolo Barbetta in 1350. It was remodelled in 1699 by Marco Bergamasco. One of the altars was considered the masterpiece of Palma . Vecchio. Another altar was erected in 1473. The church, had also contained Madonnas by Sassoferrato ' and Pietro do Messina.