Dear All,
we would like to remind you about the Feast of our Lady of Good Health on Wednesday, November 21, which takes place every year in Venice.
The celebration dates back to the outbreak of the plague which raged in Venice as a result of the war against Austria in 1630. The Senate and Doge Nicolò Contarini decided to seek the Virgin Mary’s help, vowing to build a temple in her name as soon as the scourge had ceased. In November 1631, the plague being finally over, the Government made haste to fulfill the vow. Construction began on the temple designed by the architect Baldassare Longhena. It was completed 56 years later and solemnly dedicated to the Madonna della Salute (Our Lady of Good Health).
Every year November 21 is celebrated with a procession, led by the Patriarch, leaving St. Marc’s Square, leading over a pontoon bridge across the Grand Canal and coming to a solemn end at the Church S. Maria della Salute. Thousands of Venetians seek pardon in front of the Madonna, radiant among hundreds of candles brought by the faithful themselves. Along the way and in front of the church there are stalls where candles and sweets of every kind are sold.
The pontoon bridge over the Canal Grande connects the Square S.ta Maria del Giglio in San Marco with the Street S. Gregorio in Dorsoduro.
For this occasion, professor Pes will bring students who want to experience this typical venetian event to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.
Here is the meeting point and the departure:
- at 4.50 pm from San Servolo
Moreover, we inform you that from November 14th until November 21st, the entrance at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum is free if you bring your i-mob card.
Here it is the website where you can find further information about it
http://www.guggenheim-venice.it/news.php
Please, just give us your name at the Front Office or send an e-mail to intern@univiu.org by Monday at 12 am
Best,
Lucia, Paola and Stefania
