Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

The Frari Church is a Gothic Basilica in Venice Italy

Discover the artistic value of the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the elegant Frari church in Venice Italy that houses a masterpiece by Titian.

Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

This Gothic church in the San Polo district of Venice has a simple and elegant appearance. If you arrive with the gondola, you can almost step into the church from the boat. There is only one small square that you will have to cross. As soon as you step inside the basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, you will discover its historical influences dating back as much as eight centuries. Not only the building itself, but also the stained glass windows and the many paintings and sculptures here are impressive.

^{Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari}

^{Interior of the beautiful Frari church in Venice}

A church of Franciscan origin

The huge church houses the well-known work by Titian: “Madonna di Ca'Pesaro”, which was painted between 1519 and 1526. This masterpiece stands out for its use of colours, in which – quite unusual for the time – the Virgin Mary was not depicted in the center, but was painted from the center to the right. Because of the large, striking column behind her, "Mary with child" immediately draws your attention.

Het werk blinkt uit door de beweging die er van uit gaat. Petrus is aan het lezen en stopt om de knielende Jacopo Pesaro aan Maria voor te stellen. De vlag en gele mantel bewegen mee in de wind. Andere details, zoals de engelen op de donkeren wolk, voegen iets donkers toe, maar door de schaduw die het creëert, heeft het ook een realistisch effect op het schilderij.

Other masterpieces in the Santa Maria dei Frari

In addition to the beautiful altarpiece 'The Assumption' by Titian, there are paintings by Donatello and Bartolomeo Vivarini. In addition, you'll find also statues, carvings and the monuments in honor of Canova and Titian. Furthermore, the building itself – with its colorful floors, imposing columns and special chapels – also exerts an enormous attraction on you. Would you like to have a special experience? Please check the official website for the calendar of events to see if there is a mass during your visit of the basilica.

Where is the Frari Church in Venice?

The Frari basilica is located in the San Polo district. Your visit can be ideally combined with the Scuola Grande di San Rocco which is located behind the basilica.