San Nicolò dei Mendicoli

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San Nicolò dei Mendicoli is a church in the sestiere or neighborhood of Dorsoduro in Venice.

The islet upon which the original church was built, previously housed poor fishermen, hence the addition of mendicoli or beggars to the name of San Nicolò. From then on, the inhabitants were called nicolotti. The present structure dates from about the 12th century, with frequent reconstructions. The present clocktower was added in 1764 to replace an older one.

The entrance lies on the right of the nave. The nave is bordered by peculiar Corinthian-like columns. The hooked bills of the capitals derive from the coats of arms of patron families. In the chancel is a 15th century statue of St. Nicolò holding three golden spheres, symbolizing the money donated, in his legend, to save three girls from prostitution. The canvases on the nave walls were made by various painters, including Alvise Benfatto (1554-1609). Two end panels on the ceiling are by Leonardo Corona and those in the middle by Francesco Montemezzano.

[edit] References

• Manno, Antonio (2004). in The Rizzoli Art Guides: The Treasures of Venice. 300 Park avenue South, New York, NY 10010: Rizzoli International Publications, pages 538-539.