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Religious Sites in Venice
The vast number of cupolas and church spires is probably the first thing that one notices when looking at the City of Water from above. Indeed, Venice has an incredible 79 churches, a number that few cities in the world can boast. The splendid Basilica di San Marco is the most famous sacred building on the lagoon and the one Venetian attraction that draws the most tourists, while other important churches in Venice include Church of San Polo, Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. These churches are filled with artistic treasures, yet the same is true for small, lesser-known Venetian shrines – they all merit a visit inside.
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Church of Santa Maria
di Nazareth
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Address: Fondamenta degli Scalzi 57
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The Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth, also known also as Chiesa degli Scalzi, is situated in the heart of Venice in the district of Cannaregio. The Baroque church was erected in the second half of the 17th Century in accordance to the plans of the renowned architect Baldassare Longhena, who designed the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, as well. The construction of the temple, dedicated to Santa Maria di Nazareth, spanned from 1660 to 1705 when the church was consecrated. The building has remarkable architecture, and it has the only Carrara marble facade in the city, a true piece ofart by Giuseppe Sardi. The interior highlights are the frescoes by Tiepolo on the ceiling, which are unfortunately only partially preserved. A large number of paintings from the 18th Century also deserve to be noticed.
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Church of San Polo
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Address: Campo San Polo
Phone: +39 41 275 04 62
e-mail: info@chorusvenezia.org
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The Church of San Polo originates from the 9th Century when this Byzantine temple dedicated to Apostle Paul of Tarsus was erected. Since then the church has undergone two radical changes and a couple of inconspicuous renovations until it acquired the appearance we can see today. The only element that remains from the Byzantine epoch is the spectacular south doorway of the church.
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Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
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Address: Campo della Salute 1
Phone: +39 41 274 39 11
e-mail: salute@seminariovenezia.it
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Website: www.seminariovenezia.it
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The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, known just as Salute, is one of the most noteworthy landmarks of Venice. It is an important Catholic temple, a beautiful architectural monument and a loved tourist attraction. The interesting facts concerning this imposing church start with the very act of its establishment. The reason for its creation is to be found in the cruel plague that killed almost a third of the local population within just two years between 1629 and 1630. The Senate tried to cope with the disaster by building temples devoted to different saints. As nothing helped, they issued a decree to build a new imposing church that should bear the name of Virgin Mary.
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Basilica di San Marco
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Address: Piazza San Marco 1
Phone: +39 41 270 83 11
e-mail: biblioteca.proc@patriarcato.venezia.it
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Website: www.basilicasanmarco.it
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The Basilica di San Marco is undoubtedly the most famous religious site in Venice, and at the same time a world-class tourist attraction. The majestic five-domed construction is one of the finest and best preserved examples of Byzantine architecture. The basilica is remarkable above all with its elaborately decorated facade and the huge surface of over 2 kilometres of extremely valuable mosaics in Byzantine and Gothic style covering the domes and the vaults of the temple. Since the beginning of the 9th Century Basilica di San Marco has been situated at Piazza San Marco, which emerged as a court in front of this holy place. The basilica is connected to the Doge's Palace and its magnificent appearance was meant to symbolise the wealth and glory of Venice in the Middle Ages. It is no accident that the basilica was nicknamed 'The Church of Gold' in the 11th Century.
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Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
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Address: Campo dei Frari
Phone: +39 41 275 04 62
e-mail: info@chorusvenezia.org
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The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, known simply as Frari, is
among the most visited religious sites in the 'City of Water'. The basilica
has been of great theological and cultural significance since its creation.
The first temple on its current place in the heart of San Polo district was
constructed between 1250 and 1338. The building was erected by the
Franciscans and had the nickname Ca' Grande.
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Church of San Giorgio
Maggiore
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Address: Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore
Phone: +39 41 522 78 27
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The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is a basilica, situated on the island with the same name in the Venetian lagoon. The Roman Catholic temple boasts outstanding architectural appeal. It was designed by Andrea Palladio, the most recognised Italian architect, in 1566 and was finished
soon after his death in 1580. The first religious building at this site was constructed much earlier before this – in the 8th Century. In 982 the whole island was a Benedictine property and the monks established a monastery.
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Church of San Giorgio
dei Greci
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Address: Ponte dei Greci
Phone: +39 41 522 54 46
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If have visited the Church of San Giorgio dei Greci, feel free to share your descriptions with us. We appreciate your help!
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