Description

The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is one of the widest churches of Venice and yet it is considered as a minor basilica. It lies between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco. In October 1630, the Venetian Senate decided that if the plague had ceaded to kill a great number of Venetians as it was happened at the time a new church would be constructed in honour of the Virgin Mary. The plague vanished after some days from that moment, and Baldassare Longhena, who was a very young architect, was appointed to design the new structure. Baldassare Longhena was 32 years old when he won the contest helded to assign the commission. The Basilica of St. Mary of Healt was consecrated in 1681, just one year before the death of Longhena himself, and completed in 1687, five years following his passing. Baldassare Longhena was still not known as an architect, he dedicated 50 years of his life to the works for the construction of the church, and oversaw the project of Ca’ Rezzonico too. After the edifying of the church a celebration was set up to thanks Saint Mary for having delivered the Venetian people from the plague. For the Festa della Salute, Venetians make a pilgrimage carrying lighted candles in thanksgiving for their regained health. Special masses are celebrated too and a momentary votive bridge is set up over the Grand Canal. The annual Feast is held on November 21. santa mariaRegarding the interiors of Santa Maria della Salute, the Baroque high altar, designed by Longhena himself, features a Byzantine Madonna and Child which originally was in Crete before Francesco Morosini, a Venetian master mariner and officiated doge too at the peak of his carrer, brought it in Venice. Above it is a sculpture in which Venice is depicted while the plague is chased away from the city. The floor is marbled and the six chapels adorne the inside. The Sacrestia Maggiore houses some valuable works by Titian, between them San Marco Enthroned with Saints is the most remarkable. The cost for the entrance is of €1.50. Who love art will find affordable the little fee. Outside, this whole white structure is adorned with a overshadowing cupola. The church was an unusual shape at the time and is still striking today; taking the form of an octagon under a massive central dome. The only great baroque monument built in Italy outside Rome, the octagonal Salute is recognized all over the world for its exuberant exterior of volutes, scrolls, and more than 125 statues!!