Venice, Veneto Italy
Roman Catholic
Legend tells that the first church on this site was founded by refugees from Padua, fleeing from the Lombards in the 7th century. The name "Mendicoli" may mean "poor" or "residents of the island of Mendigola." The original dedication to Serbian martyr, St Niceta, was replaced by St Nicholas of Myra in the 12th century. Much of the building dates from that time; the porch is 15th century. In the early 1900s, parish life dwindled, the church was closed for repairs from 1903-1924, including the reconstruction of the narthex that had originally been a shelter for the poor. Since 1972 Bristish Venice in Peril has carried out restoration.