by Rebecca Voltolina 1A
On 21st November Venetian people celebrate an ancient festival. Schools close and thousands of people cross the votive bridge to reach the beautiful Salute Church and give thanks and ask the Virgin Mary to keep them in good health.
This festival is celebrated in Venice to commemorate the pestilence, which lasted for two years from 1630-31, and the subsequent vow by the Doge to obtain the intercession of the Virgin Mary who for many reasons was thought to be a protector of the Serenissima Republic.
The doge wanted to build a church as a votive offering on St. George’s island opposite St. Mark’s square. The Salute Church in Venice was designed in the then fashionable baroque style by architect Baldassare Longhena.