Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari~

Aug5


Is one of the greatest “minor” basilicas in Venice, which of course, is saying quite a lot. Building began in 1250. This is the entry way.


This photo, and the next, show the woodwork in the choir stalls, with the organ pipes above.


Think for a minute what it would sound like to hear the organ and the choir sing in these stalls, as you sat in the church, in say 1400.


In the cathedral are two works by the 16th century master Titian, as well as Donatello’s first painting. They were magnificent, but what struck me most was this piece from Paola Veneziano, depicting the Madonna with saints. I knew little of Veneziano and had to google him. All that is known about him is the artwork he created between 1333-1358. His work represents, “an amazing balance between his Byzantine training and the romantic influences of northern Europe.” (Wiki)
It was the influence of Byzantine mosaic in this piece that caught my attention.

The interior is an amazing example of how architecture, art, and reverence, can create an environment that has soothed human souls for hundreds of years.

The painted, wooden art in the basilica is remarkable. This horse and rider made of painted wood, was the first of its type ever made in Venice, and depicts a Roman Prince.


This wooden clock was carved in 1630 by the artist Stefano Panatta.

There are many beautiful pieces of very old furniture in the basilica like this pew and wood painted fresco, of unknown origin.


Cheers to you from the sacred serenity of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari~

191 thoughts on “Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari~”

    • The clock is seriously amazing. I have no idea how someone could carve such intricate figures so close to each other with wood working tools. People were definitely amazingly talented a long time ago, which I think is reason for both concern and hope.

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  11. Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
    When one thinks of Venice it is usually because of its canals, gondalas and St. Mark’s Basilica. However, let the camera lens of Cindy Knoke show you another basilica that is considered to be minor… Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari..the architecture, marble work and paintings are stunning. And even if you are not religious I would imagine that the intensity of emotion of those who have worshipped there since 1250 is infused into the walls and echoes around the vaulted ceilings. Beautifully captured as always.

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  14. Your travels take you to some amazing places, and here it seems history seeps throughout your photos and post. You have a sentence which mirrors my exact thought “Think for a minute what it would sound like to hear the organ and the choir sing in these stalls, as you sat in the church, in say 1400.” What a feeling it would be to have the music and sights of this time wash over as I take it all in. Beautiful ~ and so happy to see your adventures continue on 🙂

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