SANTA MARIA GLORIOSA dei FRARI


Introduction

More commonly known as the Frari (a corruption of Frati, meaning brothers), this vast Gothic church dwarfs the eastern area of San Polo. The first church on the site was built by Franciscan friars in 1250-1338, but was replace by a larger building completed in the mid-15th century. The airy interior is striking for its sheer size and for the quality of its works of art, including masterpieces by Titian and Giovanni Bellini, a statue by Donatello and several grandiose tombs.

Star Features
Assumption of the Virgin by Titian
Titian's glowing and spectacular work(1518) draws the eye through the monk's choir, to the altar, and beavenwards.


Madonna and Child by Bellini
The sacristy's altarpiece(1488) by Bellini, with its sublime use of colour, is one of Venice's most beautiful Renaissance paintings.


Monks' Choir
This consists of three-tiered stalls(1468) , carved with bas reliefs of saints and Venetian city scenes.


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