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Of all Venice’s many churches, the huge, barn-like Frari is one of the most art-packed. The Franciscans started on the present Gothic church in 1338 and finished in 1469; it boasts the second-highest bell tower in the city and a severe exterior, but once inside, the quality of the art is extraordinary.
The assault begins as you go in when your eyes are drawn immediately to the High Alter and Titian’s vivid, soaring Assumption. Other works by Titian to look out for include his Madonna di Ca’ Pesaro (1519).
The Sacristy contains one of Giovanni Bellini’s greatest paintings, the Madonna and Child with Saints. To the left of the high alter is the fabulous Reniassance tomb of Doge Niccolò Tron (1473) by Antonio Rizzo.
Titian himself (who died in the 1576 plague) is buried in the church; his rather ugly tomb (added in the 19th century) is in the second chapel on the right as you enter the church.
The church is a 15-minute walk from the station and five minutes from the San Tomà vaporetto stop. Audio guides are available for a small extra fee.
After your art fill, head to Caffè Dersut, just by the side of the Frari church. It’s a good place to refuel with a cappuccino and some delicious pastries.
The church is open daily, all year round (closed Sunday mornings). There are rarely queues to get in; off-season visitors may have the place to themselves.
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Venice
Price: €241
Min age: 0
Rating 4.7 / 5 [10 ratings]
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Veneto, Italy
Crammed with picturesque canals, Renaissance palazzos and artistic masterpieces, this unique and alluring city is heaven-on-earth for art lovers and romantics.
