Il Redentore

Venice is not just a picture of the Rialto Bridge on a postcard… it is a jewel to be protected, a history to be discovered. Each issue recounts curiosities, traditions, itineraries in art and tells of the most singular, fragile and unique island in the world.

Redentore is one of the most eagerly awaited and heartfelt celebrations for Venetians, a particularly important moment for the entire community.

The event is a votive and emotional hymn that Venice addresses to its salvation. In fact, the third weekend in July is celebrated in memory of the terrible plague that struck the city between 1575 and 1577, the second great epidemic that the island experienced after the first one in the 14th century. It was in 1576 that the Senate of the Republic of the Serenissima initiated the project to build the magnificent Church of Christ the Redeemer as an ex voto to free the city from the plague. As the walls of the building were raised, the contagion decreased and to celebrate its end, the Venetians set up a pontoon bridge connecting the Zattere to the island of Giudecca. The tradition, with more modern contours and a grand fireworks display, continues to this day and is the ‘Venetian’ festival. Redentore is the occasion that reconnects with history, builds a great physical and ideal bridge with the past and celebrates -once again- the city that saves itself, its true sense of being an island and never being shipwrecked.

Travel Journal

Chiesa del Redentore

The Church of the Redeemer -commonly known as Il Redentore- is one of the most important religious buildings in the city. Overlooking the Giudecca Canal and located on the island of the same name, the church was built in 1577 as a sacrificial gift to drive out the danger of the plague from the city. The design boasts the signature of Andrea Palladio and is a true jewel.

Canale della Giudecca

Together with Grand Canal, the Giudecca Canal is one of the city’s major canals and separates the Zattere foundations from the island of Giudecca. In the Redentore tradition, it is recorded that Venetians, by joining boats, created a large bridge across the canal allowing the faithful to walk from Zattere to the Church of the Redeemer.

Fondamenta delle Zattere

Fondamenta delle Zattere -in Venetian, de la zátare- is the stretch of promenade that runs along and overlooks the Giudecca Canal. Located in the Dorsoduro sestiere and full of businesses, ice-cream parlours and restaurants, this area constitutes the southern limit of the city and is one of the oldest areas of the city.

Punta della Dogana

Located in Dorsoduro sestiere, Punta della Dogana is a thin triangle of land dividing the Grand Canal from Giudecca Canal; this area is home to the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and Dogana del Mar complex. This is undoubtedly one of the best places from which to admire the Redentore fires for free.