Basilica dei Frari : Canova's mausoleum is perhaps the most distinctive monument among the many within this vast church

Basilica dei Frari : Canova's mausoleum, abundant with rich symbols, was constructed by his followers based on one of his designs for Titian's tomb (which was never realised)

Basilica dei Frari : However, Titian does have his own mausoleum - his burial within the church occurred following his death from the plague in 1576

Basilica dei Frari : Titian's 'Assumption of the Virgin', also known as the 'Frari Assumption', is the centerpiece of the high altar

Basilica dei Frari : The space feels vast when looking upward from the high altar; on the lateral sides of the presbytery, there are two monuments dedicated to Doges Tron and Foscari

Basilica dei Frari : The nave, with the high altar visible through the choir screen

Basilica dei Frari : The choir screen installed in 1475 served to separate the friars from the congregation during services

Basilica dei Frari : Remarkably, it is the only choir screen remaining in Venice today

Basilica dei Frari : Gazing at the counter facade with Canova's mausoleum to the right provides a perspective on the grandeur of the basilica

Basilica dei Frari : The Chapel of St. Mark, constructed in 1420, portrays the patron saint of Venice seated on a throne

Basilica dei Frari : Under the glass filtered rays of the sun, the unique combination of red brick, Istrian stone and exceptional works of art contributes to a distinctive ambiance

Basilica dei Frari : Saints Francis and Elizabeth present Doge Francesco Dandolo and His Wife to the Virgin (Paolo Veneziano, 1339)

Basilica dei Frari : The mausoleum of Doge Giovanni Pesaro features four towering Moors bearing upon their shoulders the throne upon which the doge is seated next to representations of Religion, Valor, Concord, and Justice

Basilica dei Frari : The giant bronze skeletons will for sure send shivers down your spine

Basilica dei Frari : The stunning marble sculpture of the 'Deposition of Christ' (Francesco Cabianca, 1711)

Basilica dei Frari : Detail from a clock sculpted by Francesco Pianta; the neighbouring Scuola di San Rocco houses more of his intricate wood sculptures

Basilica dei Frari : Similar to many Franciscan churches, the exterior is rather plain, even on the front facade

Basilica dei Frari : Yet, within this simplicity lies a profound beauty

Basilica dei Frari : A spectacular reflection of the facade in a nearby canal

Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Imposing Gothic church housing art treasures and monumental mausoleums.

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Standard admission is €5.

Highlights

A Gothic Giant

It simply dominates the skyline west of the Canal Grande. Stepping inside will allow you to fully appreciate its sheer magnitude.

Final resting place

In the church lie several Doges and celebrated artists from different epochs, including Titian and Canova.

Monumental mausoleums

Antonio Canova's distinctive pyramidal tomb is renowned for its intricate symbolism, whereas Doge Giovanni Pesaro's eerie Baroque monument, featuring four immense moors supporting allegorical figures creates such an overwhelming spectacle.

The monks' choir

At the heart of the church stands the imposing dark wood structure of the monks' choir, a distinctive element found nowhere else in Venice. The intricate carvings on its 124 choir stalls portray scenes of an 'ideal city' as envisioned during the Renaissance.

17 monumental altars

The altars are adorned with masterpieces such as Titian's 'Assumption' and Bellini's Frari Triptych.

Why visit

Escape the claustrophobia of crowds and narrow alleys into this expansive spiritual open space filled with art.

Connect the Dots

Symbols in Canova's tomb statues

Death is followed by a half-naked figure with a lit torch: immortality ▪ Two women carying a wreath of flowers: hope ▪ Two boys with lit torches: renewed faith stays forever young ▪ Sleeping winged lion: power, wisdom and justice ▪ Angel with spread wings: guardian of immortality.

Who was Antonio Canova?