Steve Fountain aged 58. Took semi retirement when made redundant at 51. Back from THASSOS loved it....
Steve Fountain aged 58. Took semi retirement when made redundant at 51. Back from THASSOS loved it. Back to whistling at Trains.
Member since:15.07.2007
Reviews:109
Members who trust:10
Just returned from our annual anniversery trip to Venice and noticed that no-one has done a review on this church as yet.
Just Jump on Vaperreto Number 2 outside St Marks.
As you stand by the water at St Marks you can not but notice a large Church on the opposite side of the Canal which is the Church of Santa Maria Della Salute, I am afraid I did not take any photos this year as the main dome is covered in scaffolding, in fact there seemed to be more buildings this year that were being worked on. This is not a critism of Venice, by its nature restortaion work is a necessity.
It was on 22 October 1630 that the Senate of Venice decided to build a Church to Honour the Madonna to mark the end of the Plague which had devestated Venice. So the first stone was laid on April 1st 1631, what a change from here where it seems to take Years, ref Wembly, Terminal 5 etc etc.
It was the plan of 32 year old Baldassare Longhena that was accepted, it was to be his first major commission.
Longhena's project was revolutionary, as he was the first to acknowlege. The effect was striking in that his huge octagonal construction , covered with Istrian Stone and crowned with two domes and flanked by a pair of Campaniles rose out of urban surroundings.
The outside of the building has Half Columns resting on massive pedestals with a gigantic staircase distinguishing the main Palladian facade from the other seven sides of the octogan. Inside there are six chapels that cluster around the central space, which is covered by tall dome supported by eight enormous pillars.
The second dome is of much smaller dimensions.
The high Alter was adorned with statues by Josse Le Court in 1670.
After Longhena's death the work was carried on by Antonio Gaspari(1687).
The Church is one of the must see sights of Venice containing Sculptures by Bartolomeo Bon, Tullio Lombardo. Paintings by Titian, The Pentecost, Saint Mark with Saint Como. The Sacrifice of Abraham, David and Goliath. My favourite though is the Wedding at Cana (1551) by Tintoretto.
It is a tru wonder, Building, Statues and Paintings at no cost, free entry just leave a donation if you want.
Also now you are on this side of called Giudecca, it is little known with Tourists who mostly do not wander over from St Marks. It is a little gem to explore, and with the Bars serving very good House Red at 80 cents a glass very pleasant.
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