The Jubanico family founded this church in the 9th Century, when it was dedicated to Santa Maria del Giglio. It was re-designed by the architect Giuseppe Sardi and rebuilt between 1680-1683. The facade was built to commemorate the naval and political glory of the Barbaro family—unique in that there is not a single religious symbol on the front of the church. This facade is more about history; the Barbaros and the Venetian Republic and its wide dominions. The Barbaros were originally from Rome; the family came to Venice in 868 AD. Various members of the family commanded Venetian troops in battle, and some served as diplomats in the complex relationships with the Republic's overseas possessions. One member of the family was canonized, as will be seen inside the church.
Giuseppe Sardi
b. 1680 - d. 1770
An architect and builder; his first known work was SS Rosario in Marino near Rome. He continued working in Rome until 1720 where he rebuilt the facade of St. Paolo alla Regola. Most of his career seems to have been spent in Rome. We do know however that he designed the facade of Chiesa degli Scalzi in Venice. He also built San Pasquale Baylon in Rome. Like Scalzi, San Pasquale Baylon has a simple facade and a rich interior. Sardi was a member of a commission appointed by Pope Benedict XI in 1742 to report on damage to the dome of St. Peter's, Rome.
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1) Santa Maria del Giglio facade [128]
