Venice & The Plague Tour
See the Efforts of the Church and Doctors During the Plague
DURATION: UP TO 3-HOURS
This unusual and fascinating tour, with an expert English-speaking guide, begins at the Church of San Rocco, protector of plague victims, where his relics are still enshrined. Additionally there are huge paintings by Tintoretto, depicting miraculous healings the French Saint Rocco performed in the hospitals, and other details of his adventurous life.
You will then walk to a mask workshop and discuss the frightening costumes used by the "doctors of the plague," a black waterproof robe meant to prevent any contact with patients, and a ghostly long beaked mask intended to disinfect the “contaminated airs” of the city.
You may also stop at some old rain cisterns, once under the strict control of the authorities who tried their best to safeguard the pureness of the drinking water. They encouraged citizens to report those who didn’t respect the hygienic rules meant to prevent the scourge of the plague.
The tour ends at the Church of Santa Maria della Salute, “Our Lady of Good Health,” a Baroque sanctuary begun by architect Longhena in 1631 to fulfill a solemn vow taken by the Venetian Senate. The prominent architecture and location, the exuberant sculptural and pictorial decoration (Juste Le Court, Titian, Luca Giordano) make the Salute Church one of the most representative monuments of Venetian civilization.
This 3-hour tour includes:
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco
- Maskmaking workshop to see plague doctor masks
- Walk in Dorsoduro district
- Visit to the Church of La Salute
Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Your guide will pick you up from your Venice city-centre hotel. The tour will conclude at a point within the city-centre.
Includes: Private expert English-speaking guide for up to 3-hours.
Excludes: Guide Gratuity, Extra Hours.
NOTE:
- Modest attire is required – knees and shoulders must be covered.
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