Dictionary definition of serendipity: The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way
My taking a totally unexpected turn which led me to the Church of San Lorenzo today was in fact serendipitous. That the front door of the Church was open was even more serendipitous. I just could not pass up the opportunity to slip inside. Too bad I only had my phone for a camera!
This church, originally built in the 9th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, has been closed to the public for God only knows how long. In the ten years I've been wandering in Venice, it has never been open. We've always been curious about San Lorenzo.I read somewhere that Marco Polo was buried in this church in 1324, however his tomb was somehow lost during the restorations of the 16th century. Who knows where he got to after that! Wouldn't it be perfect if he was found during this renovation??
The country of Mexico has decided to fund the restorations of San Lorenzo, to take place over the next 9 years. Mexico will use this building as the home of it's Biennale exhibitions during that time. Thank you, Mexico! This is truely an important project for Venice. I'm sure there are life-long Venetians who have never set foot inside San Lorenzo until now. How exciting for them! How exciting for this city!
The building will be open to the public Tuesday-Saturdays (except for mid-day break)from now until the end of November. The only available space to stand on is a very small area about 8 ft x 8ft at the doorway. Everything else is roped off. Doesn't matter, at least we are able to get in the door. Already I am making plans to return with a different camera.
