During the Middle Ages bubonic plague – the
Black Death –arrived in Europe on returning merchant ships carrying flea-infested
rats. The sea-faring republic of Venice was especially vulnerable to epidemics
so ships were required to anchor offshore for a period of forty days – quaranta giorni – before they were
allowed to dock. This practice is the origin of the word quarantine.
Santa Maria della Salute, Venice |
The art inside La Salute is all about the
plague. A sculpture above the main altar depicts Old Lady Plague being
chased away from Lady Venice by an angel sent by the Virgin Mary.
Main Altar, Santa Maria della Salute |
Lady Venice (left), the Virgin Mary (centre) and Old Lady Plague (right) |
Today the plague can be treated with
antibiotics but the Black Death left us with a new word, quarantine, and two annual
festivals in Venice. In November the festival of La
Salute commemorates the end of the 1630 plague. Another similar festival takes
place in July at the Redentore Church on the island of Giudecca.
Next: "R" is for Red House
That church is beautiful. If I ever get back to Venice, I will be sure to visit it.
ReplyDeleteIt is one of the more beautiful churches I've visited.
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