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The reconstruction of the church was funded by the Manin family who wanted to house their own monumental tomb on the site. Work started in 1709 and went on to the end of the 1730s. The clients employed Rossi as proto (chief architect), who was responsible for the plans, the design, and the model of the church. Rossi had to follow strict plans, which were defined for the Jesuits by the Council of Trent.
The building was produced by the undistinguishable contributions of a team of professionals accustomed to working together. It is difficult to highlight items for which each was individually responsible. The architecture goes hand in hand with the exuberant plastic adornment, the theatrical effect of the interior, and the close attention paid to every detail.
The façade is in two tiers: the lower of which is formed around eight columns, on which rests the rough and cracked architrave of the second tier. The columns support eight statues, which, along with four others in various niches, represent the twelve Apostles. Four other statues on the sides of the main entrance represent St James the Greater, St Peter, St Paul and St Matthew the Evangelist.
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