Aerial view of the Grand Canal and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
© Bachir Moukarzel/Amazing Aerial Agenc
Above the floating city. Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
The Santa Maria della Salute church in Venice is steeped in history. As a plague devastated the city in 1630, its leader, Doge Nicolò Contarini, vowed to build a majestic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary if the city was spared. In 1631 the epidemic ended, and construction began. The church, built in the Baroque style, was completed around 50 years later, a lifelong project for architect Baldassare Longhena.
Built at the entrance to the Grand Canal, its dome dominates the Venice skyline. Each November, Venice commemorates the church's significance during the Festa della Madonna della Salute, a cultural celebration that includes festive processions and offering of candles in gratitude for deliverance from the plague.
Related Images
View from the cupola of the International Space Station above the South Pacific Ocean
Blue hour in Naxos, Cyclades, Greece
Aerial view of Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Porto, Portugal
Lake Bled, Slovenia
The Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg, Germany
Ocean City, Maryland, at sunrise
St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights, Michigan
Bing Today Images
