"The magic of calli (narrow streets), picturesque canals, historical testimonies, architectural heritage made up of houses and bridges, Chioggia seems like little Venice and has a lot to offer. Starting from Campo Santa Caterina, the aristocratic square loved by Curzio Malaparte, where the Clock Tower stands out, a former lighthouse that has become a museum. Then the nearby church of San Martino and the famous Pescaria, where a characteristic famous fish market is held every morning. Among the many little-known treasures of Chioggia's heritage, the church of San Giacomo di Chioggia deserves full attention. Located in the historic center and very popular among the faithful, it has a very rich history that began in Roman times with the construction of a three-nave building with low pillars, but which after the collapse of the apse on the night between 24 and 25 November 1741, replaced the current single-nave Church. It was consecrated in 1790 and raised to the level of the basilica of 1806, which now has a simple stone façade, surmounted by a tympanum. In the same year, it became a refuge for the icon of the Madonna della Marina, also known as the Madonna della Navicella, an object of great veneration among the faithful and whose discovery became a legend thanks to the gardener. In fact, man seems to have been inspired by the appearance of the Virgin in a dream, in 1508, on Sottomarina beach. In her apparition, Our Lady kept the body of Christ tormented by the many sins of the citizens of Chioggia and entrusted the gardener that God's wrath, if they do not begin to atone for their sins as soon as possible, will fall on Chioggia. Today, this icon can be admired in a lavish high altar, surrounded by a striking array of ex-votos, a testimony to the folk piety that surrounds the place of worship. In addition to the famous icon, the church houses other significant works of art, such as the altarpiece depicting two saints Giovanni Bellini in the lower part and the upper part attributed to Antonio Marinetti, a local painter named Chiozzotto. An exceptionally beautiful altar is the Altar of Saints Sebastian and Rocco, with an ancient altarpiece depicting two saints and a plaque with the image of Our Lady taken from a fresco located in the Palazzo Granaio in Chioggia. On the ceiling, in a fresco of 223 square meters, the martyrdom and glorification of St. James are represented. The work was performed by brothers Alessandro and Romualdo Mauri of Vicenza and by Chioggia Antonio Marinetti, the first depicting the moment of martyrdom (below), the second, the saint's ascension to heaven."

Asiyah Noemi Koso

"Beautiful church"

Agassiz

"We read its more authentic than Venice, lotsa hoopla. But actually, no comparison w Venice. In our books, just go to the real thing!! for the full charm and magic: stick with Venice, its canals, shops, amazing architecture, etc etc etc. Just our opinion, for all the driving, traffic etc."

K Meyer