Description of the attraction
In 1630, Venice was struck by a terrible plague, during which many people died. And then the Senate decided that if it was possible to get rid of the epidemic, then a huge temple would be built in honor of the Virgin Mary. They managed to cope with the plague and the Senate announced a competition for the best project of the church.
The young Baldassarre Longena won the competition and the works were started in 1631, but unexpectedly had to face great difficulties. First of all, the soil, unable to withstand the weight of the structure, began to settle and Longena was forced to strengthen it by driving piles. And when they reached the construction of the central dome, it turned out that the walls were not ready to withstand its weight, and then the young architect was forced to erect original and bizarre "snails" to support the drum. When the church was consecrated in 1687, it was already five years since the death of Baldassarre Longen.
A simple yet impressive octagonal interior with six side chapels, on the arches of which the drum of the dome is installed. The marble sculpture on the central altar depicts "The Plague Fleeing from the Virgin Mary" by Giusto Le Court. The church also contains works by Tintoretto and Titian.
