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St. Mary of the Friars

Campo dei Frari | San Polo, 30135 Venice, Italy (San Croce)
041-522-2637
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Ranked #6 of 188 attractions in Venice
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Type: Religious Sites, Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Historic Sites
Owner description: Originally built in the mid-13th century, Santa Maria dei Frari (St. Mary of the Friars) houses many masterpieces of Venetian Renaissance art, notably... more » Owner description: Originally built in the mid-13th century, Santa Maria dei Frari (St. Mary of the Friars) houses many masterpieces of Venetian Renaissance art, notably Giovanni Bellini's triptych "Madonna and Child with Saints," and the "Pesaro Madonna" by Titian, who is buried in the church. « less
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580 reviews from our community

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London
Top Contributor
87 reviews 87 reviews
32 attraction reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

This beautiful church is worth a visit, not just for its own aesthetic qualities, but also for the fact that it takes you to a quieter, more residential area in which it resides. It's imposing from outside and set next to a beautiful stretch of canal but it's true magnificence lies inside. The masterpieces by Titian and Bellini are well... More

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See 16 more reviews by Hetmeister for Venice
Rochester, New York
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013 NEW

Enter the church, and say a prayer for your health, or the health of your loved ones, or say a prayer for someone that is ill. This church is inspired by a healing miracle. Enter and be humbled by the energy that you feel when you are within its ornate beautiful walls.

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See 3 more reviews by RJ R for Venice
Berlin, Germany
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

I have to laugh at some of the reviews regarding this Basilica. "Unless you're into art or religion it's boring" to summarize a few. Are you kidding? I'm not sure why you would come to Venice or even Italy for that matter and not expect to see nothing BUT that in Museums. Have you people ever heard of THE RENAISSANCE?... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

After having arrived from Florence to Venice, and trying to hit all the high points, I must admit that I enjoyed the Frari church the most. What's more, if one gets the Rick Steves podcast for the tour to this specific church, your visit can be greatly expanded and improved. He is no art PhD, but his descriptions are detailed,... More

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See 5 more reviews by okmac for Venice
Skierniewice
Top Contributor
87 reviews 87 reviews
71 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

One of the most impressive churches in Venice, definitly worth of visiting. Quite hard to find, but worth of it.

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See 6 more reviews by Shandir for Venice
Asker, Norway
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 6, 2013

If you have not much time in Venice, I would recommend this as one of the two or three sites to visit. The church with all its paintings, statues and other great works is well worth the time, even if you, as me, are more interested in museums than churches.

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See 6 more reviews by Stein H for Venice
northants
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 4, 2013

Almost confused by the different names. The italian is very different. Found by accident but well worth popping in and it is right on one of the main walking routes from the Rialto Bridge to the Piazzale Roma. Great paintings and architecture. We caught it late in the day and it was quiet.

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See 5 more reviews by reef-bore for Venice
Fort Salonga, New York
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2013

This place has amazing artwork & the wood cravings were so detailed it really was hard to believe they were done by hand!

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See 4 more reviews by Kitmin2010 for Venice
Victoria, Canada
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
38 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013

Another MUST DO on our list. See our detailed reviews on the hotel and restaurant experiences. Doing anything here - earlier in the morning, will free up your queue waits and more enjoyable with less crowds. Key - do just before high season in March / April and avoid Italian summer heat. Lots of walking.

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See 15 more reviews by DerekSanderson for Venice
Newcastle upon Tyne
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2013

A spacious and wonderful church with seemingly hand-picked treasures, includinng Donatello's John the Baptist, beautifully carved choir stalls and Monteverdi's tomb. Don't miss if you're in the area (and most definitely worth the detour).

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See 6 more reviews by Caroline G for Venice

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