The Oratory of the Crociferi in Jesuit Square in Venice

In the Cannaregio district, in Jesuit  Squarethere is a little hidden gem: the Oratory of the Crociferi.

It was built for this monastic order in the 14th century, and served as a chapel adjacent to the Hospice for poor women (still in existence). At the end of the 15th century, the Doge Pasquale Cicogna, who felt very attached to the Crociferi, commissioned the renowned painter Jacopo Palma the Young a cycle of paintings to glorify himself and the Order of the Crociferi, which was later banned by the Pope in 1656.

The paintings tell a vivid story of the Order of the foundation, but especially the story of the Doge, who received the news of his own election in this Oratory, surrounded by poor women from the hospice.

The twelve rooms of the Hospice communicate directly with the Oratory and there is still the grate that allowed people with infectious diseases to follow the Mass without infecting other worshipers.

The chapel is open on an appointment only basis by contacting the IRE (Institute for Shelter and education).