Santa Maria Salute Church, Dorsoduro, Venice
Santa Maria della Salute
Venice, Italy
Built in 1631 to deliver Venice from the Black Death
History of Santa Maria della Salute
Black Death
In 1630, Venice experienced a devastating outbreak of the plague. As a votive offering for the city’s deliverance from the pestilence, the Republic of Venice vowed to build and dedicate a church to Our Lady of Health (Salute).
The church was designed in the then fashionable baroque style by Baldassare Longhena. Construction began in 1631. Most of the objects of art housed in the church bear references to the Black Death.
Feast Day
November the 21st is the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin (Festa della Madonna della Salute). Each year the city’s officials parade from San Marco to Salute for a service in gratitude for deliverance from the plague. This involves crossing the Grand Canal on a specially constructed pontoon bridge. The festival is still a major event in Venice to this day.
Visiting Salute
Useful Information
Location/Waterbus
Vaporetto Line 1
Buy vaporetto waterbus tickets | View timetables, routes & maps
Waterbus stop: Salute
Opening Times
Opening Times: These are generally 9.00am – 5,30pm / Sacristy generally Tuesday – Friday: 10am-midday and 2pm to 5pm
For more information view Santa Maria della Salute’s website which lists in detail the opening hours
Tickets & Tours
Tickets: Entrance to the Basilica is free. Entrance to the sacristy is €4.00. Entrance to the dome €8.00
Venice Must-See Attractions Walking Tour / Private Art & Culture Tour in Dorsoduro and Academia, Venice
Private City Hidden Gems and Local Hotspots Tour / Private Accademia Gallery and Dorsoduro Guided Tour
Salute and Art
Art in Salute
Artists whose work is in the church: Luca Giordano, Titian, Josse de Corte and Tintoretto which can be seen in the sacristy.
The interior of Salute is octagonal with eight chapels that radiate out.
The three altars to the right of the main entrance are decorated with scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, patroness of the church, two by Luca Giordano. The third altar has a painting by Titian entitled The Descent of the Holy Spirit.
Amongst other art there’s an iconic Byzantine Madonna and Child of the 12th or 13th century, plus Tintoretto’s “Marriage at Cana – 1561” displayed in the great sacristy
There’s plenty of Titian in Salute, including the altarpiece of the sacristy, as well as ceiling paintings – all in the great sacristy and nave.
The Salute Dome
The dome of Salute is one of the major sights along the Grand Canal. Santa Maria della Salute was completed in 1687 (it took 56 years to build).
Repairs were subsequently done on the church and the dome was completely rebuilt between 1868 and 1883.
This addition to the Venice skyline became emblematic of the city, inspiring artists like Canaletto, J. M. W. Turner and John Singer Sargent.
Today you can climb the dome to the panoramic terrace and view Venice.
The basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is one of the (many) visual highlights of Venice.
Nearby Venice Attractions
Link to: Gallerie dell Accademia
Gallerie dell Accademia
One of the great galleries of the world
Link to: Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Modern art collection on the Grand Canal
Link to: Punta della Dogana
Punta della Dogana
Old customs point with great views
B&B in Venice
Bed & Breakfast in VeniceHotels in Dorsoduro
View and book hotels in DorsoduroApartments in Dorsoduro
View and book Apts in DorsoduroAlways double check to ensure the property is in the correct location and suitable for your requirements
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