Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Tourism
Type of destination: Historical Landmark
Ideal visit duration: 2-3 hours
The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, commonly known as the Frari, stands grandly in the heart of Venice, Italy. It's one of the city's most notable religious structures, prized for its size, art, and history. Built by the Franciscans around the mid-13th century, it was completed in its current form in the 15th century. The church is an epitome of Venetian Gothic architecture, which is a variant of Italian Gothic architecture, characterized by its graceful and elaborate design. The Frari houses numerous masterpieces of Venetian Renaissance art, including Titian's 'Assumption of the Virgin' above the high altar, which draws art enthusiasts from around the world. The basilica also serves as a mausoleum, containing monuments and tombs of several prominent figures, including Titian himself and the sculptor Antonio Canova. The building's imposing red-brick facade, flanked by a bell tower, is a landmark in the Venetian skyline. Despite its significance, the Frari remains an active place of worship and a serene escape from the bustling streets of Venice.