Things to do in Venice – Visit La Salute (Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute)

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La Salute at the eastern tip of Dorsorduro  is a dominating feature visible from your Venice Grand Canal cruise.  This monument holds a special place in the hearts of Venetians and once a year a temporary pedestrian bridge is built across the canal to allow locals a direct route to the church.  Open free to the public (though a small fee applies for access to the Sacristy) the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is worth a stop for anyone visiting Venice.

La Salute stands on the site of a previous church and monastery dedicated to the Holy Trinity, gifted in the 13th century to the Teutonic Knights in thanks for their wartime service. The property changed hands over time and in the 17th century, at the request of the government and by vow of Doge Nicolò Contarini, construction began on the current basilica.  This new church would be an offering to the Virgin Mary for her intercession during the Italian Plague of 1629-1631, which killed nearly a third of the population of Venice.  To this day, the basilica hosts the annual Festa della Madonna della Salute.  Held each November, this ‘Feast of Our Lady of Health’ attracts Venetians from across the lagoon, some arriving as they have for centuries by crossing over the Grand Canal via a pontoon bridge erected specifically for this occasion.

View from Grand Canal Santa Maria della Salute Venice Italy

The octagonal Baroque structure of La Salute, designed by local architect Baldassare Longhena, well-known for his other projects which include Ca’ Rezzonico – Museum of 18th Century Venice, is adorned with Corinthian columns and boasts a triumphal arch entryway.  But the most eye-catching exterior feature is the crown-like dome with a statue of Mary resting on its lantern and numerous statues of saints around its base.

High Altar of Santa Maria della Salute Venice Italy

The interior, also decorated with columns and statues, holds several noteworthy architectural features and works of religious art.  Directly ahead as you enter the church is the High Altar whose centerpiece is a medieval Byzantine painting of the Panagia Mesopanditissa (Mediator of All);

Panagia Mesopanditissa and High Altar Santa Maria della Salute Venice Italy

to the locals she represents Madonna della Salute.

Throne of St Pius X Santa Maria della Salute Venice Italy

Near the altar you’ll see the papal throne of St. Pius X.

Dome and Statues Santa Maria della Salute Venice Italy

At the center of the octagon, below the high dome,

Inlaid Marble Floor Santa Maria della Salute Venice Italy

is an impressive floor of geometrically patterned inlaid marble. Radiating out from the central nave or rotunda, are six side chapels: the chapel to the right of the entrance holds Luca Giordano’s Presentation of Mary at the Temple (c.1673); in the next, hangs Giordano’s Assumption of the Virgin (1667),

Chapel of Saint Anthony with Golden Altar Santa Maria della Salute Venice Italy

in the St. Anthony Chapel, a golden altar inlaid with semi-precious stones sits below a painting of the saint; and to the left of the High Altar is Titian’s Pentacost (c. 1545).

For a look at more Renaissance paintings by Tintoretto and Titian, consider visiting the Sacristy.  Serving as a mini museum, the ceiling and wall paintings here include:

Jacopo Tintoretto - Marriage at Cana - WGA22470

Marriage at Cana – Jacopo Tintoretto, 1561

Titian - St Mark Enthroned with Saints - WGA22765

St. Mark Enthroned with Saints – Titian, 1510

At the time of our visit, just before closing time, the Sacristy was closed.  However, we did enjoy a stroll past the various chapels before the caretaker locked the doors for the night.

As a significant historical Venetian icon, La Salute has been featured in various works of art throughout the centuries, including:

Canaletto Entrance to the Grand Canal Venice

The Entrance to the Grand Canal, Venice – Canaletto, 1730 (Museum of Fine Arts, Houston)

Joseph Mallord William Turner 029

Dogana and Santa Maria della Salute, Venice – J.M.W. Turner, 1843 (National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.)

Getting There:
La Salute is located in the Dorsoduro neighborhood about a 15-minute’s walk from Ca’ Rezzonico. Or get there via ACTV vaporetto (Lines 1, 2, and N:  Salute).

Ticket Info:
Adult Admission (Basilica of Santa Maria) = FREE
Adult Admission (Sacristy) = 3.00€

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  1. By Jedna i jedinstvena Venecija - Katarina Hadži-Minić 1 Jun ’18 at 3:42 pm

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