Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
1 Dorsoduro Venezia
The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks—both a stunning architectural achievement and a lasting symbol of the city’s faith. It was built in 1631 as a thank-you to the Virgin Mary after a devastating plague in 1630, which killed nearly a third of the population. In desperation, the city’s leaders vowed to build a grand church dedicated to Our Lady of Health (Santa Maria della Salute) if the plague came to an end. When the disease finally passed, they fulfilled their promise and began construction as an act of gratitude.
Each year on November 21st, thousands join in the Festa della Salute, a major religious procession where Venetians cross a temporary bridge over the Grand Canal to give thanks and pray for continued protection.
Entry to the basilica is free, and it's open daily, though access to the sacristy and museum (which contains many of the major artworks) requires a small fee.
Recommended Nearby:
St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice. The basilica holds the relics of St. Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark and the patron saint of Venice, which were smuggled from Alexandria to Venice in the 9th century. The church has served as the religious heart of Venice for nearly a millennium—first as the private chapel of the Doge, and now as the city’s official cathedral.
Church of Santa Maria del Rosario
The Church of Santa Maria del Rosario, commonly known as the Gesuati, was founded in the early 18th century by the Dominican Order. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and celebrates the spiritual power of the Rosary, embodying a rich tradition of Marian devotion.
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Images by Didier Descouens, licensed under CC BY‑SA 4.0 — via Wikimedia Commons.