The Graceful and Elegant Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
The church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice is also known as Chiesa dei Frari or Basilica dei Frari. It is acknowledged as one of the premier tourist attractions in Venice. The graceful and elegant church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari rivals the Dominicans’ church of SS. Giovanni e Paolo, both in size as well as grandeur. Both these churches are the most marvelous examples of religious Gothic architecture in Venice. Similar to the contemporary SS. Giovanni e Paolo, this gigantic Gothic brick church was constructed for one of the mendicant’s orders which based themselves in huge urban settlements.
The construction of the first church on this site started around 1250 in an area donated to Franciscans by the Doge Jacopo Tiepolo, and was completed in 1338. The bell tower of the Frari’s square which is the tallest after San Marco’s was completed in 1396, and the previous church was destroyed around 1417. The construction of the final church of Frari with its grand façade came to an end in 1443, and the solemn consecration of the Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari finally occurred in 1469.
The gorgeous interiors of the Chiesa dei Frari are dotted with some funeral monuments to Doges, Bishops, generals and admirals of Venice, and also include noted masterpieces by Titian, Giovanni Bellini, Donatello, Jacopo Sansovino and others.
While you travel to Venice then don’t forget to pay a visit to the Chiesa dei Frari and just behind the church, you will come across the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, where the most well-known works of the painter Tintoretto can be seen.
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Map
Facts about Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
- The church was established by Franciscans or the ‘Frari’ in Venetian dialect.
- The choir stalls in the ritual choir were designed by Marco Cozzi.
- The success of Napolean in 1805 led to the suppression of this friary.
- The monastery also became a barrack for a short time.
Where is Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari?
The church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is located in Venice, Italy. You can reach the church within a 20-minute drive from the Aeroporto Marco Polo in Via Galileo Galilei, Venice.
Best time to visit Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
The best time to visit the church is during the months of September to early November (Autumn) as the weather is warm and temperatures are very mild.
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Hours
The church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari opens from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. On Sundays the church opens from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Tickets
The church is accessible with the Chorus Pass. The admission fee to the church is €3.00 for individual entry and €9.00 on a cumulative ticket.
More on Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Nearby Attractions: Saint Mark’s Basilica, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, and La Gondola.
Don’t miss Italy major attractions: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Colosseum, Rome, Portofino, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii.
