Chiesa di San Salvador

Church of San Salvador

Monumental Baroque church, housing beautifully restored art and at least two hidden gems.

Featured in Free Admission

Sestiere San Marco

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Rialto (2-min walk)

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+39 041 523 6717

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What makes it special

Venice’s first patron saint

The chapel to the right of the apse houses the relics of Saint Theodore, Venice’s original patron saint — until the relics of Saint Mark were famously smuggled out of Alexandria in the 9th century, shifting the city’s devotion to the more prominent evangelist.

Two works by Titian

The 'Transfiguration' graces the main altar, while the 'Annunciation' is easily identifiable by the radiant white dove.

Pala d’Argento

Behind the 'Transfiguration', hidden from view and revealed only three times a year, is a centuries-old silverwork similar to the golden Pala d'Oro at Basilica di San Marco.

Sacristy

Lacking space for a real garden, the Sacristy was adorned with detailed frescoes of birds and foliage, creating an illusion of the Paradise Garden.

Open Gallery for more insights

Your experience here

Slip away from the crowds (and the heat) around Rialto for a moment of calm within the church.
Admire the beautifully restored art, made possible by Save Venice.
Ask a church keeper to show you the Sacristy — a hidden gem often missed.

Open Gallery to get the feel

How to visit the Sacristy

San Salvador : Since the church, located in the densely packed center of Venice, had no room for a real garden, the solution was to create a 'virtual' one instead

Find a welcoming church keeper and ask if you can see the frescoes in the Sacristy — ideally in Italian: 'Potresti mostrarmi la Sacrestia? Grazie mille!'.

As a backup, similar frescoes of foliage and birds (though by a different artist) can be admired in the Sala a Fogliami at Palazzo Grimani.

Explore Palazzo Grimani

When can you see Pala d'Argento

Hidden behind The Transfiguration, this large silver masterpiece — weighing over 300 kg — is revealed only on select dates: from Easter Sunday to May 1st, August 6th to 13th, and Christmas to January 1st.

San Salvador : Hidden behind the 'Transfiguration' and revealed only three times a year, the centuries-old Pala d’Argento is a remarkable silver altarpiece

Understanding the Transfiguration

The Transfiguration marks a pivotal moment in Christ’s life: a dramatic revelation of His divine nature that confirms His identity as the Son of God.

Accompanied by three of His apostles, Christ ascends a mountain to pray. At the summit, He is suddenly transformed, radiating brilliant light that pierces the surrounding darkness. The prophets Moses and Elijah appear beside Him, while the astonished apostles fall to the ground, overwhelmed as they witness the scene.

Titian’s masterful depiction captures the intensity and drama of the event, making it one of his most powerful and transcendent works.

San Salvador : The Transfiguration marks a pivotal moment in Christ’s life: the dramatic revelation of His divine nature.

More Titian

Though Titian’s masterpieces are scattered across iconic Venetian landmarks like the Palazzo Ducale and Basilica dei Frari, one of the best places to truly appreciate his style and skill is the Sacristy of Santa Maria della Salute.

Alongside one of his early works — St. Mark Enthroned, already hinting at the mastery that would define his career — the ceiling hosts a powerful trio: The Sacrifice of Isaac, Cain and Abel, and David and Goliath.

The figures are muscular and dramatically foreshortened, with a focus on the human form, dynamic movement, and emotional depth — all reflecting the strong influence of Michelangelo, whom Titian deeply admired.

Santa Maria della Salute : Also in the Sacristy, look up to admire Titian’s dramatic ceiling paintings: The Sacrifice of Isaac, Cain and Abel, and David and Goliath

Explore Santa Maria della Salute

Music in Baroque attire

Directly across from the church stands the Scuola Grande San Teodoro, where baroque concerts come to life, with performers donning elaborate period costumes that transport you back in time.