Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

You can find four other votive churches in Venice, all built in gratitude for surviving the plague — but only one holds the relics of the city’s legendary protector against it.

At Chiesa di San Rocco, Saint Roch himself lies enshrined above the high altar, surrounded by Tintoretto’s powerful scenes from the saint’s life and miracles.

It was a plague outbreak that ended the illustrious career of the greatest Renaissance Venetian painter.

His phenomenal energy in painting earned Tintoretto the nickname.

Baldassare Longhena also designed 2 splendid palaces, both now museums: Ca' Rezzonico and Ca' Pesaro.

The midday sun, filtered through the dome's sixteen pale-tinted glass windows, enhances the detail of the polychrome mosaic floors.

If you find the interior somewhat austere, go behind the main altar to the sacristy and behold vibrant paintings by Titian and Tintoretto (admission is €6).

You don’t have to backtrack all the way to Accademia Bridge to reach Piazza San Marco — just take this budget-friendly gondola service instead.

At just €2, it’s the cheapest gondola ride available.

Though short, it’s a scenic experience aboard a larger gondola rowed by two oarsmen.