Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, Venice
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Venice, Italy
Titian’s burial place and a church with a number of his paintings along with Sansovino, Palma the Younger, Donatello, Veneziano and more
History of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Images: Didier Descouens Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Originally built between 1236 and 1338, the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari was remodelled in the 14th Century in the Franciscan-Gothic style.
The Basilica is one of Italy’s most important Franciscan sites. As shown by the number of pictorial and sculptural representations of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Anthony of Padua, the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari has been looked after by Franciscan friars since its founding
One of the most prominent churches in the city, it has the status of a minor basilica. The church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. It is commonly known simply as Frari.
In common with many Franciscan churches, the exterior is rather plain. However, inside, are many grand wall monuments dedicated to distinguished Venetians who are buried in the church, including a number of Doges and the painter Titian.
View more about the art in Frari below.
Art Inside the Basilica
Madona di Ca’Pesaro by Titian
Images: Didier Descouens Titian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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The Fari has extensive artworks. Of many paintings here are two large and important altarpieces by Titian, the Assumption of the Virgin on the high altar and the Pesaro Madonna (seen here).
The Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari also contains the only rood screen still in place in Venice.
Artists work in the Frari includes:
Jacopo Sansovino, damaged figure of St. John the Baptist
Assumption of the Virgin by Titian and Pesaro Madonna
Antonio and Paolo Bregno, tomb of Doge Francesco Foscari.
Donatello, figure of St. John the Baptist
Palma il Giovane, Martyrdom of St. Catherine from Alexandria
Paolo Veneziano, Doge Francesco Dandolo and His Wife Presented to the Virgin by Ss
Alvise Vivarini, St. Ambrose and other Saints in the north transept chapel, his last work
Frari Information & Opening Times
Bartolomeo Vivarini Madonna and Child with Saints
Images: Didier Descouens Bartolomeo Vivarini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari |
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Summer Hours (East Sunday – Oct 31): Mon-Sat: 9am – 7.30pm/Sun & Holidays 1pm to 6pm |
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Winter Hours (Nov 1 – Easter Sunday) : 9am and to 6pm/Sun & Holidays 1pm to 6pm |
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Special Events If special events are taking place e.g. weddings, the Basilica will be closed |
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Admission Fee: Adult: €5.00, Students (12-29) €2.00, Senior (over 65) €3.00, Children up to 11 years: free |
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Tours: A private tour of the Frari and Scuola Grande di San Rocco is available on this page. An audio tour is available in the church. |
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Photo/Video: No photography with flash or video footage is alllowed. |
Download the Frari Brochure
Bartolomeo Vivarini Madonna and Child with Saints
Images: Didier Descouens Bartolomeo Vivarini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Frari has a useful brochure to download detailing the ground floor map of the Basilica, the location of the various works of art and the Basilica’s history.
There’s also details of prayer times for the friars and parish community, masses and confessions.
The brochure is available in English, French, Italian, German, Russian, Polish and Spanish.
Getting to the Frari
Monument to Antonio Canova
Images: Didier Descouens Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Vaporetto Stop & Walking Information
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Walking From Times Rialto Bridge, 11-14 minutes / Ferrovia (train station), 11-12 minutes *All times approximate |
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Nearest Waterbus Vaporetto Stop San Toma – 3-4 mins / Rialto Mercato – 11-13 mins |
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Visitor Tips, Tours & Advice
Powered by GetYourGuide
Tips & Advice for Visiting Frari
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Do I need to prebook a ticket Almost certainly no. It’s rare that there are lines/queues for Frari so buy one on the door. |
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Dress Respectfully As a functioning place of worship, modest dress is required (shoulders and knees covered). |
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What is the Best Time to Visit A personal preference is earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to fully appreciate the church’s profound quietude. |
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How Long Does it Take to Visit? At least an hour to fully appreciate all the artwork in the vast interior of the church. |
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What Are The Main Do Not Miss Artworks? 1. Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin: The stunning, massive altarpiece. 2. Titian’s Pesaro Madonna: Located on the left wall. 3. Donatello’s St. John the Baptist: Located in the Florentine Chapel. 4. Canova’s Tomb: A striking pyramid-shaped tomb designed by the sculptor himself. |
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Is it Worth Taking a Tour Yes, if you would like to fully appreciate the complex history and art, which is often described as a “museum” (view Frari tour here). An audio guide is available in the church that last about 35 minutes (available in 7 languages) |
Nearby Attractions
Link to: Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista
S.G. San Giov. Evangelista
This second oldest Great School
Link to: Church of San Polo
Church of San Polo
Paintings by Tintoretto, Palma the Younger
Link to: Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Scuola grande di San Rocco
Tintoretto’s paintings of San Rocco’s life