Church of St. Nicholas of Tolentino

The Church of San Nicola da Tolentino (also simply called “I Tolentini”) is located in Venice, in the Santa Croce district, near Piazzale Roma. It is a fairly important church, but less well known compared to other more famous ones.

It was built between the late 16th and early 17th centuries (around 1591–1602) based on a design by Vincenzo Scamozzi for the Theatines, a religious order that lived nearby.

However, the façade was not originally completed: it was finished only later (early 18th century) with a large columned entrance, very “classical” in style, making it look almost like an ancient temple.

Inside, it is quite spacious and simply organized (with a single main nave), but decorated with 17th-century paintings by various Venetian artists.

A curious fact is that during the Austrian bombardments of 1849, a cannonball struck the church, piercing the dome. This episode is still remembered today.

Next to it there is also the former Theatine convent, which is now used by the university (IUAV), so the area is often frequented by students.

Today the church is still active and is also used for activities related to the university and music.