Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute stands at the entrance of the Grand Canal in Venice
and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
The Baroque church was built in the 17th century as a votive offering after the devastating plague of 1630
and was designed by the architect Baldassare Longhena.
Its large octagonal structure and majestic dome dominate the skyline at the point where the Grand Canal meets the lagoon.
Next to the basilica stands the historic Punta della Dogana,
the former customs house of the Venetian Republic.
From this strategic location, goods arriving by sea were inspected and taxed before entering the city.
Today the building has been restored as a contemporary art museum,
while the nearby statue known as the Fortuna rotates with the wind,
symbolizing Venice’s long relationship with maritime trade.
