Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, Minor basilica in San Polo, Venice, Italy.
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is a Gothic parish church and minor basilica built in red brick in Venice's San Polo district, notable for its tall vaulted interior divided by six side chapels. The nave houses numerous paintings, altarpieces, and stone monuments dedicated to prominent citizens throughout its walls.
Construction began in 1250 under Franciscan initiative, stretching over a century before the bell tower was completed in 1396. This extended building period allowed the structure to develop into a landmark of Venetian Gothic design.
For centuries, this basilica has served as a spiritual center where the city's most powerful families left behind monuments to their memory and faith. The abundance of artworks inside tells the story of how Venetian merchants and nobles used art to display their devotion and status.
The church opens to visitors most days of the week, though hours vary considerably between weekdays and weekends. It's wise to arrive early or check opening times in advance, especially if you plan your visit during a specific period.
A rare architectural feature is the only surviving choir screen in Venice, a stone partition built in 1475 that separates the friars' area from the rest of the church. This element has disappeared from other Venetian churches, making it a distinctive detail for anyone interested in medieval sacred design.
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