Church of the Redeemer

The Church of the Redeemer, located on the island of Giudecca in Venice, is also called II Redentore (redentore is Italian for redeemer). The Franciscan church was commissioned in 1576 to give thanks for the end of the plague, which took a heavy toll on human lives. The building of the church began in 1577. It is one of the principal works of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio. After Palladio’s death Antonio da Ponte completed the church in 1592.

The church was the focus of The Festival of the Redeemer. Every year on the third Sunday in July, the Doge came on a floating bridge of boats to the church and Venice celebrated to give thanks for the end of the plague. This festival is still celebrated today, however, not with the marches over floating boats. Instead a bridge is constructed especially for the annual event. The festival it is also known for its fireworks the night before the actual event.

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