Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, commonly known as La Salute, is one of the most iconic buildings in Venice, located at the entrance of the Grand Canal, in the Dorsoduro district. This magnificent church was built as an ex-voto to the Virgin Mary for the liberation of the city from the terrible plague of 1630-31, which decimated a third of the Venetian population. The history of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is intrinsically linked to the health crisis that struck Venice in the 17th century. During the epidemic, the Doge and the population promised to build a great church in honor of the Virgin if the city was freed from the pestilence. Once the epidemic was over, it was decided to build the church at the point where the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco converge, a symbolically powerful and visually strategic location. The project for the new church was entrusted to the young architect Baldassarre Longhena, who designed a building of extraordinary beauty and architectural innovation. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 1687, years after Longhena’s death. The basilica is an exceptional example of Venetian Baroque architecture, characterized by a unique octagonal plan, topped by a grand central dome and a smaller dome over the sacristy. The facade of the basilica is majestic and richly decorated, with statues of the Virgin Mary, angels, and saints. The central portal is surmounted by a triangular pediment, while the Corinthian columns give a sense of verticality and solemnity. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with a large central space opening up under the dome, creating an effect of light and spatiality that enhances the sense of devotion and magnificence. Inside the basilica are numerous valuable works of art, including paintings by Titian and Tintoretto. Particularly notable is the high altar, where the famous icon of the Madonna della Salute is displayed, considered miraculous and the object of great devotion by the Venetians. This altar is a Baroque masterpiece, with sculptures of saints and angels surrounding the icon, creating an atmosphere of sacredness and mystery. The construction of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute was not only an architectural feat, but also a socially and politically significant event. The choice of location, right at the entrance of the Grand Canal, and the grandeur of the structure aimed to demonstrate the gratitude of the Venetians to the Virgin Mary and to reaffirm the power and resilience of the Most Serene Republic in the face of calamities. The basilica is also a symbol of popular devotion and the religious faith of the Venetians. Every year, on November 21st, the Feast of the Salute is celebrated, during which thousands of faithful cross a votive bridge of boats to reach the basilica and pay homage to the Madonna della Salute. This centuries-old tradition is a moment of great community and spiritual participation, strengthening the bond between the city and its patron saint. From an architectural point of view, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute represents one of the most innovative works of Venetian Baroque. The choice of a central plan, with a large ambulatory surrounding the presbytery, and the use of classical architectural elements, such as Corinthian columns and pediments, give the building a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. The large central dome, with its slender shape and its openings that let in natural light, is one of the most distinctive elements of the church and a landmark in the Venetian skyline. An interesting anecdote concerns the floor of the basilica, made with a geometric pattern in white and black marble that creates a surprising optical effect. It is said that this design was inspired by the floor mosaics of Byzantine churches, which Longhena had studied and admired. The floor not only adds a decorative element to the interior of the church, but also symbolizes the journey of faith of the faithful who come to the basilica to seek protection and grace.