In 1630, Venice was struck by a terrible plague, during which many of the population died. of the population. And so the Senate decided that if the plague could be eradicated, a huge temple would be built in honour of the Virgin Mary. The plague was dealt with and Senate announced a competition for the best design of the church.
The young Baldassarre Longhena won the competition and work began in 1631, but unexpectedly had to face great difficulties. In the first place the ground, unable to bear the weight of the structure, began to settle and Longhena was forced to to reinforce it by driving piles. And when it came to the centre dome. the walls weren't ready to support its weight, so the young architect was forced to erect original and bizarre "snails". When the church was consecrated in 1687, five years had already passed since the death of Baldassarre Longhena. Baldassarre Longhena.
The simple yet impressive interior is octagonal in shape with six side chapels, on whose arches the drum of the dome is set. Marble sculpture on the central altar depicts the Plague fleeing from the Virgin Mary, by Giusto Le Court. The church also houses works by Tintoretto and Titian.
