Venice - San Salvatore

San Salvatore, a 7th century church was reconstructed between 1507 and 1534 by Tullio Lombardo and Sansovino, and given its present Baroque façade by Giuseppe Sardi between 1663 and 1700. There is reason to suppose that its creators intended that San Salvatore should rival the Basilica di San Marco in its size and splendor, but it has only three domes as compared with five of San Marco.

The interior has retained its Renaissance style and houses several important works of art. The baldachins give the impression of great spaciousness.

The most interesting of the monuments is the splendid memorial to Doge Francesco Venier, designed by Sansovino (1556-61; past the second altar on the left).

The outstanding paintings are the two works by Titian: "The Annunciation" (third altar on the right, with a marble frame by Sansovino) and "The Transfiguration of Christ" (on the High Altar). Another interesting painting by Giovanni Bellini is on the wall of the left choir chapel.