This is definitely one of my favorite places on Murano: The Basilica Santi Maria e Donato. Dedicated to two saints, not just one! This is where I meet with Padre Osman when I seek his advice. And in the bar on the campo in front of it, Alma, Lucia and I have our regular table. At least when the weather permits.
Our beautiful basilica is one of the oldest churches in the Venetian lagoon. It is said that there was a church in this place as early as the 7th century. The present church and the bell tower next to it date from 1140, but have been rebuilt several times since.
Particularly striking is the choir area with its white columns on two floors, which can be seen from the canal. This is also one of the main sights for tourists coming to the island.
In Santi Maria e Donato I was baptized, here I married my Salvatore, here my grandson Pietro was an altar boy and this is also the place where I remember my son Giuliano, who passed away way too soon. In short, Santi Maria e Donato is my church!
Here is a nice video of our church and its surroundings:
Campo S. Donato, 11, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy, easy to reach from the Murano Museo and Murano Navagero docks
