Festa della Madonna della Salute
On November 21st, Venice renews its vow to the Madonna by crossing the votive bridge over the Grand Canal
About Madonna della Salute
A Vow Four Centuries Old
The Feast of the Madonna della Salute originated from the terrible plague epidemic that killed about a third of Venice's population between 1630 and 1631. On October 22, 1630, the Senate of the Serenissima made a solemn vow to the Virgin: if the city were freed from the contagion, a new church would be dedicated to her. Once the pestilence subsided, the majestic Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, a Baroque masterpiece by Baldassarre Longhena, was built on the tip of Dorsoduro, at the entrance of the Grand Canal.
The Votive Bridge and the Pilgrimage
Since 1631, the city has kept its promise every November 21st. For this occasion, a floating votive bridge is constructed, connecting the Santa Maria del Giglio shore to the San Gregorio shore, allowing the faithful to reach the basilica on foot across the Grand Canal. Throughout the day, an uninterrupted stream of Venetians ascends to the Salute to light a votive candle and offer a prayer to the Madonna. It is the most intimate and defining festival for the Venice that remains, the one inhabited by residents.
Flavors of the Salute
Stalls selling sweets, balloons, and candles are set up around the basilica. The Salute feast has its traditional dishes: 'castradina', a smoked mutton and savoy cabbage soup, fritters, and hot chocolate. The observance, which shares its origins with the Feast of the Redeemer, remains one of the most important events in the calendar of Venice and the Veneto region.
Madonna della Salute — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Feast of the Madonna della Salute falls on Saturday, November 21st. The floating votive bridge between Santa Maria del Giglio and San Gregorio is blessed and opened in the days immediately preceding the festival and removed in the following days. The basilica remains open from dawn till dusk with masses every hour; the solemn mass is presided over by the Patriarch of Venice.
Programme Madonna della Salute 2026
Preceding days
- Blessing and opening of the floating votive bridge over the Grand Canal (between Santa Maria del Giglio and San Gregorio)
Saturday, November 21, 2026 — Festival Day
- Basilica della Salute open all day, with masses celebrated every hour from early morning until evening
- Morning: Solemn mass presided over by the Patriarch of Venice
- All day: Pilgrimage of Venetians across the votive bridge and lighting of votive candles
- Stalls selling sweets, balloons, and candles around the basilica; tasting of 'castradina', fritters, and hot chocolate
The precise times for the solemn mass and the opening of the bridge will be confirmed by the Patriarchate of Venice in the weeks prior.
Highlights Madonna della Salute 2026
Prices Madonna della Salute 2026
Practical information — Madonna della Salute
How to get there
By train to Venezia Santa Lucia station, then take ACTV water bus (vaporetto) to the Salute or Santa Maria del Giglio stops. The votive bridge allows you to reach the basilica on foot across the Grand Canal.
Good to know
The basilica remains open all day on November 21st, with masses celebrated every hour. The solemn mass presided over by the Patriarch is held in the morning. It is recommended to try the 'castradina' in the local 'bacari' (traditional bars) and restaurants.
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Where does it take place — Madonna della Salute
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
Punta della Dogana, Dorsoduro, 30123 Venezia