t Titian’s famous Assumption of the Virgin dominates the apse
C3 ⌂ Campo dei Frari 4 San Tomà # 9am–6pm Mon–Sat, 1–6pm Sun & religious hols ¢ 1 Jan, 25 Dec & Mass ∑ chorusvenezia.org
More commonly known as the Frari (a corruption of frati, meaning “brothers”), this vast Gothic church dwarfs the eastern area of San Polo. The airy interior is striking for the sheer size and quality of its works of art, including masterpieces by Titian and Giovanni Bellini, a statue by Donatello and several grandiose tombs.
The first church on this site was built by Franciscan friars in 1250–1338, but was replaced by a much larger building in the 15th century. The labyrinthine monastery and courtyards adjoining the church have been home to Venice’s State Archives since the fall of the Republic. Its 300 rooms are loaded with precious records documenting the history of Venice right back to the 9th century.
t Titian’s famous Assumption of the Virgin dominates the apse
Experience Venice
t The Gothic church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari