from 21/11/2010 to 21/11/2010

Festa della Madonna della Salute

Each year, the 21st of November celebrates the Festival della Salute, one of the most important religious festivals in Venice.

It marks the end of the terrible plague that spread across Venice and the entire north of Italy and which quickly decimated the population of Venice.

When all medical attempts failed, the Senate of the Republic and Duke Nicolò Contarini decided to ask the Virgin Mary for help, voting to erect a temple in Her name as soon as the scourge ended.

The plague finally came to an end in November 1631 and the government decided to begin the construction of the temple.

The temple was consecrated on the 21st of November 1687 and since then the day has been known as the day of Madonna della Salute for all Venetians.

This impressive Baroque church, which contains beautiful works by Tiziano and Tintoretto, is located on the eastern point of Dorsoduro and is perfectly visible from the banks of St. Mark's Square.

On the 21st of November a guided procession begins in the Patriaca part of St. Marks, crossing the bridge of the Grand Canal and solemnly concludes in the Church of the Salute.

The wooden bridge is temporary and is built especially for the Festival della Salute.

Venetians gather over this festival period in their thousands in front of the Virgin Mary, who shines among the hundreds of candles brought by Her followers. Numerous stalls gather around the church selling candles and all sorts of sweets.