Sandwiched between the campo and the canal in Venice’s Dorsoduro district, this Oratorio chapel has a thousand years of history embedded in its walls.

The current building dates back to the early 19th century, but it incorporates marbles from the much older church of San Vio, which originally inhabited the spot. At one point, the state barge that belonged to Venice’s Doge would have moored up outside for its annual visit to the site.

These days, the former church is a two-bedroom home replete with details that evoke its past, from pink marble columns to plaster inscriptions and weathered brickwork.

It’s entered by a private courtyard leading to a ground floor living space, which includes a separate dining room, a gallery level and a decorative arch that’s been converted into a reading nook. From here, owners can peer out at the adjacent square via the chapel’s scalloped one-way glass.

Two bedrooms are on the first floor, with the master suite has a balcony. The unique Venice property is listed with Sotheby’s International Realty.

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