Asia, 1347. An invisible enemy crept aboard a ship to Europe and would torment the Old World for nearly 500 years: the plague.
Over the decades, Venice developed an efficient system to bring the pandemic under control, to identify sources of infection and limit its spread — a system so effective that other countries adopted it in their own fight against the plague.
Join me as we trace the places connected to one of history’s most terrifying beasts and its “taming” by the Serenissima Republic, starting with the awe-inspiring Church of Saint Sebastian: a masterpiece in decoration by Paolo Veronese dedicated to one of the most important "plague saints".
You will then discover the different means of protection and control used by the government and doctors to make sure that plague pandemics would not spread: Ever heard of the "plague doctors mask"?
Continue along the Zattere walkway (with Nico's famous Gianduiotto ice cream) hearing about the two big plague pandemics in the history of Venice and which stunning churches saw the day of light after having successfully fought of the black death.
The tour will end at the breathtaking Church of Santa Maria della Salute, built in occasion of the last plague pandemic of 1630, with a stunning view over Saint Mark's Basin, Saint Mark's Square and San Giorgio Maggiore Island.
Highlights:
Church of San Sebastiano (inside visit)
Mask workshop (only from outside)
Church of Santa Maria della Salute (inside visit, free of charge)
Walk along Zattere with a cup of the famous Gianduiotto icecream
Hidden Sidestreets
Please note:
This tour is accessible barrierfree.
Included:
Tour guide
1 Gianduiotto ice cream per person
Entrance ticket to the Church of Saint Sebastian
Tour languages:
German, English, Italian
Not included:
