Did you think I would take you so far away--to another country, to another side of the world--and then leave you hanging out on the church steps with the children?
Did you give a thought to the treasures contained within Our Lady of Health? I wonder, were you curious?
Did you think maybe some day I would get around to sharing the wonders inside?
Well, this is that day...
In Venice on the Grand Canal where the waterway spills gracefully into the lagoon there sits this Baroque Lady. She holds court.
Built in the mid-1600s by the grateful survivors of a dreadful plague to honor the Virgin Mary, this church has been waiting for you for the longest time.
So do come inside.
La Salute Church is free and open everyday. A small fee will get you into the sacristy where you can enjoy ceiling paintings by this one.
Possessing her own vaporetta stop you can pop in--coming and going down the canal--whenever you have the time.
If your boat is too crowded, jump off and rest here.
The light shines differently through the dome windows as the sun travels across the sky.
I know, I know. That happens everywhere around the world but here it seems stronger. You will want to compare the value of morning light to late afternoon light. Go more than once if you are in Venice.
Mostly I want you to try and visit at least one time.
Some will ask, "Don't all Italian churches look the same?"
I am here to tell you, "No."
Yes, there is that amazing architecture with the grand sculptures and huge painting by The Masters but it is something more. Each has its own personality.
I cannot put my finger on it exactly.
Every where, every where artists have put their best talent forward in faith.
Layers upon layers of the highest quality surround those in prayer.
Only the best for The Best.
In the coolness and quiet of a holy place the years add another nuance not found in museums.
As the earnest prayers float up and out they must truly leave a bit of shining hope behind.
This is the only thing I can figure.
Light makes its way both in and out.
Never can you forget the reason for this place.
Side~chapel paintings by this one one honor Mary.
The Assumption overlooks those with faith enough to light a candle.
I never quite understand how Venice floats above the sea. Everyone says she is sinking but is the truth that the sea is becoming broader with global warming? Is the Adriatic spreading wider onto her land?
How does Venice stay afloat? Wooden pilings driven into the muddy ocean bottom. Strong tree timbers. I imagine sunken tree tops supporting her to be Christmas trees planted deep within the silt holding Venice like a star on top.
And if this is true, then one of the stars shining near the very tippy~top might be this Holy Place.
If you think Christmas trees could not support all this fine but heavy marble let me tell you a secret: Some of the marble is actually brick covered in a fancy dress of marble dust.
There...I have said it.
Not all is as it appears to be...
You know me. How I never want to miss a thing. Well, I must confess that I am a sucker for a cool retreat away from the maddening crowds on a hot day. When traveling I seek out such places and am never disappointed when I duck into a nearby church.
A simple chair can make all the difference to the balancing of a day when away from a comfy hotel room.
Maddening crowds hardly ever linger long in such quiet corners.
Sometimes I get caught up in the smallest of details.
The pattern carved into the wooden kneeling bench, the colors of the tiled floor. Textures and materials. Different but complimentary.
If I sit still and do not hurry I can imagine this place filled with workers crafting such a wondrous building. I can imagine the artists bringing in their work to hang in perfection.
All the things that had to happen in the world, all the stars that had to line up in the heavens, before I arrived at this moment I am so privileged to share now with you.
Here.
Take this moment. It is yours ...
If the average tourist spends only 3 days in Venice I wonder how much of that time is spent in La Salute Church?
I do not know the answer but if you visit and sit a while on one of those chairs, if you look around and appreciate, then maybe you will want to hesitate a bit at the door.
You will want to turn and have one more look...
But isn't that the charm of Venice? How you can ever get enough of anything in Venice?
The entire city just draws you in and in and you know the world will not let her sink.
If compassionate Mary can save Venice from a bitter and deadly plague how can She not hold back the rising tide?
spf...I am sitting back and drinking in this luscious post. I feel I am sitting in this light, in this chair, looking down at that detailed floor and up into the vastness of this place.
It's the slow, thoughtful traveler that you are...that helps me to savor it all.
but then I am still in a slow, meditative place after a powerful yoga class last night, a green lit dusk with the most radiant rainbow I have EVER witnessed. It is rare that this feeling lasts for so long, but it has and now you have taken me back to Venice with you and allowed me to sit in THIS radiance.
ahhhhhh
x..x
steph
Posted by: Stephanie | July 28, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Oh, mille grazie for sending notice, si, era proprio ora che io ritornassi qui, a questo tuo magico blog! :-)
You captured the spirit of the city so well,
not that I did not expect you to, I can see the kinship between You and Her!
I returned from La Serenissima only a few days ago, and your images make me long to return there again. By how many days did we miss each other? Maybe you ARE in one of my pictures, perchance?
"Italian churches look all the same!" - oh my, that sent me giggling, almost all the way to Santa Maria Salute!
Abbraccione,
M.
Posted by: Merisi | July 28, 2009 at 12:06 PM
The Divine shows itself in the changing values of light in sacred places. This is lovely. Thank you for sharing the moment.
Posted by: gemma | July 28, 2009 at 01:37 PM
Yes, I agree with Merisi.
You took me there for a wonderful visit.
I think I have to go to Venice NOW.
Your pictures and story inspire me to be an intrepid traveller.
Now you must come to New York.It's about time.
Posted by: Elizabeth Wix | July 28, 2009 at 02:33 PM
This brings back so many memories of a church we visited in Brugge-perfectly amazing, just like this post!
Posted by: sue pieper | July 28, 2009 at 03:34 PM
ohmyohmyohmyohmyohmy, I'm jumping up and down with the excitement of being here virtually, and seeing all these cool photos! I have been away and now I can catch up!! You always give so much care to detail. yay for us!
Posted by: Chris | July 28, 2009 at 05:44 PM