San Salvador is a large church on Campo San Salvador, along the Mercerie between Rialto and St Mark’s. Its present Renaissance building has a later stone façade, while the interior holds works by Titian, including the main altar’s Transfiguration and the Annunciation. Look for Francesco Vecellio’s painted organ shutters, the silver Pala d’Argento and a glass floor section that reveals crypts below. It is a peaceful place to pause amid the busy central streets, and an easy stop while walking between Rialto and St Mark’s.
A church on the Mercerie
San Salvador stands on Campo San Salvador, along the Mercerie, the main shopping street between Rialto and St Mark’s. The church is a prominent stop on this central walking route, with a large façade of white Istrian stone. A cannonball from the 1849 Austrian bombardment remains embedded at the base of the façade.
A church is said to have stood on this site as early as the 7th century, though that origin is legendary. The present building began around 1508 under Giorgio Spavento. After his death, Tullio Lombardo, Vincenzo Scamozzi and possibly Jacopo Sansovino continued the work. Giuseppe Sardi completed the façade in 1663.
The church’s structure and artworks
The interior is arranged as a large hall church formed from three Greek crosses placed end to end. Each section has a dome with a lantern that brings light inside. The apse draws the eye upward with a large, richly detailed fresco, set among architectural lines and darker stone columns.
At the main altar, look for Titian’s Transfiguration. His Annunciation is another important work here. Francesco Vecellio’s painted organ shutters are also worth seeking out. A glass section in the floor gives a view of the ancient crypts beneath the church.
The Pala d’Argento and the Sacristy
The Pala d’Argento is a silverwork treasure that is displayed during three periods of the year: from Easter Sunday to May 1, from August 6 to 13, and from Christmas to January 1. If seeing it is a priority, plan your visit for one of those windows.
The Sacristy has Paradise Garden frescoes. Other works and memorials inside include Giovanni Bellini’s Supper at Emmaus, carvings, tombs of doges and a statue of Pope Pius X.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is San Salvador in Venice?
It is on Campo San Salvador, along the Mercerie between Rialto and St Mark’s.
When can you see the Pala d’Argento?
It is revealed from Easter Sunday to May 1, August 6 to 13, and Christmas to January 1.
Which Titian paintings are in the church?
The church has Titian’s Transfiguration at the main altar and his Annunciation.
Can you see crypts beneath the church?
Yes. A glass section in the floor reveals the crypts below.
