Santa Maria della Salute Church

Santa Maria Della Salute is a Venetian landmark and a major place of worship. Most postcards of the city feature an image of its eye-catching dome. Near the mouth of the Grand Canal, this beautiful Basilica stands as a beacon to those who enter the city. Its lofty domes, white stones, and ornate statues all sparkle magnificently in the sunlight.

The plague decimated most of the Veneto region beginning in 1630, and the Basilica was constructed in its memory. In 1630, the Senate of Venice made a formal plea on behalf of the church to the Virgin Mary. In gratitude for her help on behalf of Venice, the Senate offered Madonna this church. It was a gift to Madonna, the 'Lady of Health.'

At least 100,000 pylons were pushed down into the Barene (mudbanks) to stabilize the tip of Dorsoduro before construction on 'La Salute' could begin. Although the Madonna was an obvious source of motivation, the foundation of La Salute may be found in a variety of architectural and spiritual practices. Experts in architecture have drawn parallels between the distinctive domed octagonal structure of Longhena and Greek and Roman temples dedicated to goddesses and Jewish Kabbalah.

How to explore Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute?

• The interior of the Basilica is octagonal, with smaller chapels lining its sides.
• Some people think the black dot in the middle of the inlaid marble floors, where the building's lines intersect beneath the dome, emits healing energy. Don't miss out on witnessing this dot.
• The dome of the Basilica seems to soar into the sky, but the inside is bathed in light from the discs of pale-colored glass surrounding it.
• The 12th-century Crete image of the Madonna of Good Health serves as the focal point of devotion on the ornately carved baroque high altar.
• Titian's masterpiece 'The Descent of the Holy Spirit' (1546) is displayed on an altar off to the side, next to the sacristy's main door.
• There is a magnificent collection of Titian paintings in the sacristy, making it a second marvel of the Basilica.
• The painting by Tintoretto titled 'Marriage at Cana' is the most impressive one. The place to find it is the sacristy.