However, the church still shows the influence of Palladian classicism and the domes of Venice. Its location was also chosen partially due to its relationship to the churches of San Giorgio, San Marco, and Il Redentore, with which it forms an arc. As the final destination of an annual precession of these Venetian churches, Longhena wanted to incorporate elements of each church in the design. Links to San Marco are seen in the cupola system of double domes and the elaborate skyline. Palladio, a revolutionary architect, designed San Giorgio and Il Redentore, whose pair of rear campanili Longhena also copied.
Despite being often passed over in favour of San Marco or the more famous of Palladio’s churches, Santa Maria della Salute is an unforgettable church due to the coupling of beautiful architecture with deep meaning and symbolism, and it therefore deserves to be high on the list of Italian churches to visit.
Source: Margy Crane, Flickr
ARTE E CULTURA
ARTE E CULTURA
JEMIMA FENNELL