Italy Travel

The second tallest belfry after San Marco Campanile with the former Franciscan church it belongs, are another popular landmark in Venice.
The monks were granted the place for the monastery in 1236 , and several years late start the works on the new church. The construction carried on for almost a century, but almost as soon as it was completed the building was demolished and replaced by the new 15th century basilica, which lasts till the present times.

It was consecrated to Our Lady of Glory ( Santa Maria Gloriosa ) but commonly referred as Friari. In 19th century the premises of the disbandoned monastery were taken for over for use as the Archivio di Stato (State Archive), but the basilica retained its sacred function.

The middle of the sanctuary is taken by wooden Coro dei Frati – 124 seats of Choir Stalls with inlaid decoration carved by Marco Cozzi in 1468.

But the main interest of visitors is focused on the main altar with masterpiece painting ‘Assumption’ by Titian.

The great artist wanted to be buried at Friari, and so this happened after his tragic death in the 1576 plague. The original Titian’s tomb has been designed by Canova, who is also buried in the church. Canova’s project has been picked up by his students, but they have finished it as the monument to their master, designing another sculpture for Titian’s grave.

Another Titian’s great work is Retabulum Ca’Pesaro in the family altar of Doge Giovanni Pesaro, also buried here.

The other great names, which works are in the church include Donatello ( a wooden sculpture of John the Baptist) and Sansovino ( a marble statue of the same saint ).

Music fans will spend more time at the grave of an Italian composer, who most of his life spend in Venice, Claudio Monteverdi, buried here in 1643.

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Campo dei Frari, San Polo
Venice

Phone: 041 275 04 62

Opening hours : 10am – 6pm (Mon – Sat )

1pm – 6pm Sun

Admission :

Euro 2.50

[ photo courtesy of Wugging Gavagai]