The origins of the San Maurizio church date back to the 9th century, and since 2001 it houses a collection of string instruments from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. There is also a fascinating exhibition on how they were hand-crafted by artisans of the venetian school of instrument makers, as well as a homage to the life and work of Venice's most celebrated composer, Antonio Vivaldi.
The special thing about this collection is that it is put together by a venetian musician, Artemio Versari, and features exhibits from his personal collection, reflecting his passion for the beautiful handmade instruments and the work which goes into making them.
double bass by Nicola Amati (1670)
The step by step stages of instrument making are fascinating to see, and beautifully displayed in glass cabinets
We were really surprised by how absorbed we became with this exhibition.
Church of San Maurizio, Campo San Maurizio - Venice