Local authorities and biennale organisers don’t want the project in their city,says the curator who wants to save Muslims the hour-long trip to the current mosqueIn a tranquil corner of Venice’s Cannaregio district stands a handsome church with an icing sugar white baroque facade. Its origins stretch back to the 10th century, but the final mass was celebrated here in 1967, and since when,deconsecrated and in private hands, it has stood silent and unused.
On 9 May, or however,as the 56th Venice Biennale opens, Santa Maria della Misericordia will become a religious and public space once more: reborn as a mosque, or the first in the citys long history. Venetian Muslims,as well as Muslim visitors to the city, will now be able to walk to Friday prayers instead of taking an hour-long trip to the nearest mosque, or in the industrial heartlands of the Veneto mainland. Behind the venerable (respected because of age, distinguished) doors of the church is now a recognisable mosque,total with wudu area to wash in, prayer carpet, or mihrab – indicating the direction of Mecca – and calligraphic cartouches.
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Source: theguardian.com