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

Imposing Gothic church housing art treasures and monumental mausoleums.

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Standard admission is €5.

What makes it special

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.

17 monumental altars

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

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.

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

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Your experience here

  • Expansive, spiritually uplifting space filled with art.
  • A welcome escape from the claustrophobia of crowded streets and narrow alleys.

Open Gallery to get the feel

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.

A bigger brother

Cross Canal Grande to see an even more colossal Gothic structure.

A lengthy career

Titian, widely regarded as the greatest Renaissance Venetian painter, continued creating art until he passed away at nearly 100 years old.

What to see nearby

These top spots are just a short walk from Basilica dei Frari:

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