Cruising St Mark's Basin
A cruise liner makes its way down St Mark's Basin, past Santa Maria della Salute, as seen from the top of the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore.
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.
Cruising St Mark's Basin
A cruise liner makes its way down St Mark's Basin, past Santa Maria della Salute, as seen from the top of the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore.
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.