Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

The Basics

This baroque church, designed by Baldassare Longhena, was built in the 17th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, or Our Lady of Health, for having brought a stop to a devastating plague outbreak that killed a third of the Venetian population in the early 1600s. You can view its grandeur during a gondola ride or luxury motorboat cruise on the canal, or stop in to admire the Byzantine-influenced interior—with its exquisite mosaic floor and impressive artwork by Tintoretto and Titian—during a Venice walking tour. Private tours often combine a stop at La Salute with other famous sights like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in St. Mark’s Square, and the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto).

Things to Know Before You Go

• Be sure to bring your camera if taking a gondola or speedboat cruise up the Grand Canal to snap pictures of Santa Maria della Salute along with other canalside landmarks.

• If you’re planning to visit the interior of the church, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

• Walking tours of Venice cover a lot of ground, so wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.

• There is a flight of steps to enter La Salute, so the church is not accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

From Piazza San Marco, take a water taxi or vaporetto (water bus) to the Salute stop. You can also walk across the Ponte dell’Accademia, weaving your way through Venice’s beautiful alleys to the church.

When to Get There

One of the most picturesque festivals in Italy takes place each year on November 21, when Venice celebrates the Festa di Santa Maria della Salute. The city builds a temporary bridge across the Grand Canal to the church for pilgrims and holds a boat procession in honor of the Virgin Mary. Try to schedule a visit around this time to see the festivities. The church closes each day from noon to 3pm, so be sure to stop by in the early morning or late afternoon to visit when the church is open yet not too crowded.

Exploring the Dorsoduro Neighborhood

Santa Maria della Salute is located in Venice’s Dorsoduro neighborhood, home to other important sights like Ca' Rezzonico, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the Church of San Sebastiano.

Ways to explore

Glimpsed on countless postcards of Venice, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is one of the city’s most popular churches. It’s free to enter, and you should count on at least 20 minutes to walk around and peer into the basilica’s side chapels. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Sacristy, which can be visited for a small charge and contains a collection of several Renaissance paintings, including Titian’s David and Goliath and Tintoretto’s The Wedding at Cana. The Sacristy sometimes features on art-focused tours of the city. The domed exterior of the church is best admired from the water during a gondola ride.

Accessibility

The basilica is wheelchair accessible; however, navigating Venice can be challenging for travelers with mobility issues.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, refillable water bottle, coins or small bills for donations

What to wear

Dress modestly—you’ll need your knees and shoulders covered to enter the church.

Not allowed

Keep conversations to a minimum and avoid flash photography.

Amenities

You’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafés within Venice’s bustling Dorsoduro district.

Address

The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is in the heart of Venice, just a few minutes’ walk from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, accessible via small footbridges over the lagoon. You can also get there by vaporetto (water bus) or water taxi.

Driving

Cars aren’t allowed in Venice, but you can walk there. From Piazza San Marco, head to the Ponte dell’Accademia and continue for around an 8-minute walk to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

Public transportation

The nearest vaporetto stop is Salute on line 1, which connects Lido to Piazzale Roma at the entrance of the city.

Best times to visit

Come in the morning, just after opening time, for the most contemplative atmosphere.

Best days to visit

The Sacristy is closed on Monday and Tuesday mornings; aim for Wednesday through Friday, when there are fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer the best weather windows.

Special events

Each year on November 21st, the city celebrates the Feast of Saint Mary of Health (La Festa della Madonna della Salute), a tradition instituted after the plague of 1630. Pilgrims carry candles to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (which hosts hourly Mass services), and a temporary wooden bridge is erected for foot traffic.