Recent excavations in Piazza San Marco, the historic heart of Venice, Italy, have revealed traces of a long-lost medieval church.
Archaeologists, as part of a project to restore the square's iconic paving stones known as masegni, uncovered a series of walls and floor levels believed to belong to the ancient church of San Gemignano, according to the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the Municipality of Venice and the Lagoon.
San Gemignano Church, dating back to the early medieval period (late 5th to 10th century), underwent multiple reconstructions before being demolished in the early 19th century. Despite its historical significance, the exact location of the church had eluded researchers until now.
Sara Bini, director of the excavations, explained, "Archival sources hinted at the presence of the church dedicated to San Gemignano in this area, although its precise location remained unknown."
In addition to the architectural remains, the discovery of a communal tomb containing multiple burials further supports the identification of the site as a place of worship. Burials near or within churches were customary during the medieval era, reinforcing the hypothesis that the unearthed structures indeed belonged to the church of San Gemignano.
These findings provide a rare glimpse into one of Venice's oldest places of worship, predating the renowned Saint Mark's Basilica and the modern layout of the square.
The excavation underscores the continuous evolution of Piazza San Marco throughout history. "The square has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, with canals crisscrossing its expanse and churches defining its character," noted the superintendency.
This discovery adds another layer to Venice's rich architectural and cultural heritage, shedding light on the city's medieval past and its enduring legacy.
