Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frai

As one of Venice's largest churches, the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari is a Venetian landmark. This chapel in Venice's San Polo neighborhood is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Three of the city's most prominent churches, including this magnificent brick structure, have kept their original Venetian Gothic architecture. Its bell tower, built in the fourteenth century, is the city's second-tallest campanile. This church is also commonly referred to as 'the Frari.' With a gondola, you can get so close to the church that you could practically walk in.

You can feel the Basilica's eight centuries of history when you enter Frari. The stained-glass windows, murals, and sculptures inside are just as breathtaking as the structure itself.

How to explore Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frai?

• Titian's 'Madonna di Ca'Pesaro,' created between 1519 and 1526, is the most famous artwork in this enormous church. The use of color in this masterpiece is what makes it so remarkable. There was also a painting of the Virgin Mary facing away from the viewer. The massive, striking column behind 'Mary with child' immediately grabs your attention.
• Do not miss out on Antonio Canova's memorial tomb, either (Canova was an eighteenth-century Italian sculptor). The artist's mentees constructed the tombstone. Because it was designed in the form of a pyramid, it will astound you with its massive size and elaborate carvings. Artwork by Vivarini and Bellini graces the walls of this choir's chapel.
• In addition, there are memorials and carvings prepared by other artists in honor of Canova and Titian. The structure, with its vivid floors, towering columns, and unique chapels, is a powerful magnet.
• The tombs and massive wall monuments of numerous prominent Venetians, including several Doges and the artist Titian, have made the church famous.
• The left choir's 21-pipe Piaggia organ is housed in this chamber. It also houses the right choir's Collido organ, which was constructed by Gaetano Callido.
• A Mascioni opus 398 pipe organ, constructed in 1928, is also located in the Basilica. It was the largest organ in Venice and the only three-manual Cecilian organ to play music from the Romantic era until the present day in a single concert.
• The ceremonial choir features choir stalls designed by Marco Cozzi. It is a sight to see!