Via Mercatovecchio, via Sarpi, via dei Torriani, via Zanon

Leaving piazza Libertà and turning left at the Loggia del Lionello, we take via Mercatovecchio.

This street follows the track of the old defence moat: the houses stand against each other, in the way of medieval house-towers. On this street the scenic edifice of the Monte di Pietà stands, built on a plan by Floreani in the XVIth century and renewed about a century later: outside is the motif of Mercy and it houses the Cappella di Santa Maria del Monte (Chapel).

 

From via Mercatovecchio many streets depart that bear in their names the memory of the various trades and crafts practised here. Further on, we see the Casa Sabbadini, with frescos on its façade done in 1554 by Grassi. Finally, we arrive at piazzetta Marconi where, to the right, the XVIIth-century Palazzo Bartolini stands out, today headquarters of the Civic Library of ‘Vincenzo Joppi’.

From via Mercatovecchio we turn onto via Paolo Sarpi: at the end of this street we find the Chiesa di San Pietro Martire (Church), former headquarters of one of the most important Dominican convents in Italy.

Leaving the church, we proceed to the right along via Valvason. Near the corner with via Zanon rises the Torre di Santa Maria (Tower) pertaining to the fourth circle of town-walls (XIVth century).

Proceeding on via dei Torriani we encounter Palazzo Torriani and the magnificent Cappella Manin (Chapel) - XVIIIth century.

Returning to the tower we take via Zanon, where there are many noble buildings such as Palazzo Sbruglio, headquarters of the Superintendence branch of Department of the Environment responsible for monuments and artistic treasures, and Palazzo Lovaria.

Halfway along the street, opposite the bridge over the canal, is the Convitto di Maria al Tempio (College), formerly a Secular House for Spinsters, founded in 1595. Next to the college is the Church dedicated to the Presentazione di Maria al Tempio.

 

 

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