Nestled away from the road and parking lot, the former Church of Santa Marta stands as a testament to the evolving history of Venice. Originating in the 15th century on the western edge of the arzene, an area once home to a humble urban fabric of dwellings for the less privileged, the church underwent significant changes in the 19th century. The advent of industrial activities and the 1886 Plans of Renovation, aimed at demolishing unsanitary housing, reshaped the surrounding landscape. Incorporated into the port area, the church served as a warehouse before catching the attention of the Superintendence, eventually becoming an integral part of the ongoing project for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of port-state property.
Deconsecrated in 1811, the 14th-century Church of Santa Marta experienced a varied history, including periods of use as a warehouse and a gradual decline into disrepair. Collaboration between IUAV (Venice University of Architecture), the Cultural Superintendency, the Municipality of Venice, and the Port Authority resulted in a transformative restoration project, making it a pilot venture for enhancing Venice’s port waterfront.
The restoration highlights the church’s various building phases and the seamless integration of contemporary architecture within the original structure. The interior, now adorned with a metal structure clad in pear wood, has been repurposed into a multifunctional space for conferences, exhibitions, and social gatherings. It features a cafeteria and shops, offering a modern touch while preserving the historical charm. This successful revitalization not only retains the heritage of the church but also contributes to the regeneration of the peripheral city area, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of centuries-old architecture with contemporary functionality. The project has been lauded for its “harmonious integration of multipurpose contemporary architecture within a 14th-century church and great respect for all traces of the building’s history.”
