In the sestiere of Cannaregio, you will come across a church tucked away in a stunning location. This is the Santa Maria dei Miracoli, one of the best examples of early Venetian Renaissance architecture and known as the “marble church”. It gets this nickname from the polychrome marble of its exterior, complete with extra pilasters and offset arcade windows.

Heading inside, visitors will find that pink, white and grey marble decorate the interior. The image of the Virgin Mary, known as I Miracoli, is displayed on the high altar. This icon was thought to be the origin of many miracles, including the survival of someone who had been at the bottom of the Giudecca Canal running by the church, for half an hour! Pilgrims, attracted by the miracles, left sufficient donations to fund the construction of the church. The vicinity of the church itself is to be admired, and it isn't unusual to see gondolas pick up newlyweds, or drop them off here, as the church casts reflections on the water. Admire the paintings inside, and the pendentives of the cupola. It will surely make for an interesting experience.