It is dedicated to Moses since like the Byzantines, the Venetians often considered Old Testament prophets as canonized saints.

The architectural design is attributed to Alessandro Tremignon, with patronage by Vincenzo Fini, whose bust is found over the entry door.

Statues in public spaces were forbidden in Venice, thus by putting his bust on the façade of a church, he could circumvent this ordinance and display his wealth and his recent addition to the Libro d'Oro of Venetian aristocracy.

The interior is dominated by Meyring's huge and mannerist sculptural set piece and altarpiece, depicting Moses at Mount Sinai receiving the Tablets, created by Tremignon and Meyring.

John Law, originator of the bankrupt Mississippi Scheme, is buried in the church.