Festa della Salute

Santa Maria della Salute

In 1630 the bubonic plague was spreading across Europe. For two years, Venice was ravaged by the outbreak and forty six thousand people were said to have died from a population of one hundred and forty thousand; nearly a third of the population.

Doge Nicolò Contarini made a public vow to erect a church called The Salute, asking for the divine intervention of the Virgin Mary to rid the city of the plague. On October 22, 1630 the Senate decreed that a new church would be built. A competition was held for the design of the church and from the plans submitted by eleven architects, the one by Baldassarre Longhena was chosen. Longhena's design captured both the grandiosity and magnificence that the Serenissima wanted: a church that exalted both the Holy Virgin and the Venetian Republic.

The bridge of boats

One of the 'boats' hold up the votive bridge.

Venetians entering the church.

Crowds in the church.

The Patriarch's Sermon

Rowers from around the city parade down the Grand Canal to join in the festivities.




Citizens and visitors then visit the church taking candles to light. There are stalls selling the candles in front of the church.


In the streets behind the church are stalls selling frittelle (doughnuts), balloons, sweets and other food. It can be a crush depending on the time of day.  







 Castradina, a mutton stew, is typically eaten on this day.