Back to photostream

Night at Santa Maria della Salute

Night falls on the church of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice.

 

The white stone edifice of Santa Maria della Salute – the Salute – was built in the 17th century by a Venetian government who prayed for an end to plague and had their prayers answered.

 

The Senate had decreed a church to honour the Virgin Mary would be built and they honoured their promise, commissioning Baldassare Longhena to construct the present building.

 

It took 50 years to erect and is a masterpiece of baroque architecture, owing much to Andrea Palladio. The octagonal structure, with a great dome rising from the base, contains several altars and works of art by painters such as Titian.

 

Every year on November 21 – the feast of the Presentation of the Virgin – the church is the home of great celebrations and prayers for health and wellness.

2,663 views
3 faves
4 comments
Uploaded on December 23, 2012
Taken on April 30, 2012