Things to do in Venice – Visit Basilica Frari

Along the Rio dei Frari in the San Polo neighborhood you’ll come across the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.  Referred to simply as ‘Frari’, this minor basilica adjoining the former Franciscan Monastery (now the State Archives), is one of several churches in Venice that house master works of art.  And, though not covered by the Museum Pass, the price of admission is low enough to make this an affordable addition to your Venice itinerary.  It’s also a good chance to venture out of the main tourist area and into one of the city’s less crowded neighborhoods.

The simple Italian Gothic structure, which dates primarily to the 15th century, was built on the site of two previous Franciscan churches from the 13thcentury and is reportedly much larger than its predecessors.  Its bell tower, or campanile, from the late 14th century, is said to be the second tallest in Venice, after the one in Piazza San Marco.

For a rather plain Franciscan church, Frari holds a remarkable collection of art and sculptural work.  And, as you stroll beneath the vaulted arches and wooden rafters, you’ll see several eye-catching marble tombs and monuments, and an impressive selection of paintings, most of which remain in the space for which they were created.

Notice the pyramid shaped tomb of sculptor Antonio Canova to the left of the entrance; he designed it as a monument to Titian, yet it’s his own heart that’s encased in it.  To see Titian’s actual tomb, a grand triumphal arch designed decades later, just look across the nave to the opposite wall.

Other imposing monuments and sculpted works in the basilica include the tombs of Doges Francesco Foscari (right of the high altar), Giovanni Pesaro (south wall of the nave), and Nicolò Tron (left of the high altar), the 15th century choir stalls (center of the building), and Donatello’s 15th century wooden statue of John the Baptist (Fiorentini Chapel, right of the high altar).

The most notable of the paintings here are dramatic master works of the Italian Renaissance.  These include Giovanni Bellini’s Madonna and Child with Saints Nicholas, Peter, Mark, and Benedict, ca. 1488 (an altar triptych in the Sacristy); Titian’s  Madonna di Ca’ Pesaro, ca. 1490 (south wall of the nave); and at center stage above the high altar, his magnificent masterpiece the Assumption of the Madonna, 1518.

After visiting Frari, enjoy the square out front, the Campo dei Frari, which has a picturesque view of the canal and bridge.  Or stroll through the surrounding neighborhood in the San Polo sestiere, one of the oldest areas of Venice.

Getting there:

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is located at San Polo, 3072 about 10 minute’s from Ca’ Rezzonico and 12 minute’s from the Rialto Bridge.

Ticket Info:

Adult Admission = 3.00€, NOT covered by the Museum Pass

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