Santa Maria della Salute is a pleasant, charming little church near Punta della Dogana.
It's a masterpiece of art, its beauty is incredible, but its history is full of pain.
Today, I'm going to tell you all about this place.
Santa Maria Della Salute: article summary
Santa Maria Della Salute: a tumultuous history
For centuries, Venice has been one of Europe's leading commercial ports. Its particular position, atop Mar Adriatico, was perfect for trading with, on the one hand, the Balkans, the East and Africa, and, on the other side, Northern Europe.
The commercial attitude of Venice changed its history and is still visible throughout the city. However, in addition to wealth and power, trade brought other events that had a profound influence on the life of this city: the plague.
One of these hit Venice hard between 1630 and 1631. In the end, nearly 80,000 Venetians died and 600,000 people were killed in its territories. Among the dead were the most powerful political and religious figures: the Doge and the Patriarca.
To celebrate the end of the plague, the city decided to dedicate a church to the Virgin Mary, whose cult was popular with the Venetians. The Basilica was finally built.
A special place for Venetians
Facing the St. Mark's Basin, a few blocks before Punta della Dogana, makes it special and charming.
From the top of its campanile, it is possible to see the Palazzo Ducale and the Campanile of Saint-Marc. It's also a great place to enjoy a cool view of the Canal Grande and Punta della Dogana, as well as in the large square opposite, where lots of people come and go.
The plague: a traumatic period for residents
Because the plague episodes were so violent, Venetians still remember the end of this deadly epidemic.
Every year, on November 21, a bridge is built across the Grand Canal to this church. Via the bridge, Venetians can reach the church to pray. This is a very traditional pilgrimage between Saint Mark's and Santa Maria della Salutesimilar to that of Redentore, the other major traditional event commemorating the plague.
The next time you pass by on your way to St. Mark's, stop for a second and contemplate Santa Maria Della Salute. You'll certainly feel its history and charming beauty.
What are the opening hours?
You can visit us on site:
- Every day 9.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
How much does it cost to enter Santa Maria Della Salute?
Visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria is completely free of charge. However, if you wish to visit the sacristy, you will have to pay :
- 4 euros per adult
- 2 euros for students
How do I get there?
To get there, the easiest way is to take a Vaporetto. You can get there quickly by taking line 1 and getting off at the Salute stop.
A few precautions for your visit
As with all churches in Italy, it's important to observe certain rules when visiting them. In fact, you can't go into these consecrated places with nothing on your shoulders. You must also cover your knees. This form of respect applies to both men and women. If you've decided to visit the church in Venice, be sure to dress accordingly.
Santa Maria Della Salute is a very small church, yet one of the city's most important. A veritable monument to the victims of the plague, it is a place of pilgrimage. I strongly recommend a visit during your vacation in Venice.
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