A shrine that captured my attention

I had something entirely different planned for today’s post. But, I made the mistake of going for a walk, and I was hooked.

I passed a fairly nondescript calle, and my eye was attracted to  this carved cross, set into a bright background.

Then, I looked down, and this is what I saw. Cheery messages, indeed.

So, we are reminded that we will die, and to think about our end.

Then, I stepped into the calle, and around to other side of what I now knew was a shrine. Here, there  were more mysterious messages for us.

The first shows the dates 1119, 13 October 1307 and 18 March 1314 in Roman numerals.

Then follows the exhortation “Thus passes the glory of the world”. I am getting the feeling this is not an uplifting experience for me!

I have no idea what this is trying to tell us. I know some followers will lap this up, and tell us what it means. (Is there a “sanctus’ in there?)

Nor, this one, which was repeated inside the shrine itself. Photographic access was hindered by a big rubbish bin, hence the strange angle.

Here is the shrine itself. It is very beautiful.

Some closer looks at details.

Who is this?

A descriptive plaque mounted above the entrance to this calle tells us that the shrine was restored in 1830.

I’m truly glad the blog took its own direction today! Now, I’m heading for the Churches in Venice site. I’m sure that the author of that blog will have information about this treasure.

(Later.)  Oh, my, does she ever have some good information. Follow this link to read what she had to say, a few years ago. Sotoportego de la Madonna (Churches in Venice)

For those of you who have politely abstained from mentioning their absence, here is the pissotta of the day, also from the Rialto area.