Il Redentore Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore Church of the Most Holy Redeemer
Il Redentore on the island Giudecca
45°25′29.97″N 12°19′56.83″E / 45.4249917°N 12.3324528°E / 45.4249917; 12.3324528
Location	Venice
Country	Italy
Denomination	Roman Catholic
History
Status	Active
Consecrated	1592
Architecture
Architect(s)	Andrea Palladio
Architectural type	Church
Style	Renaissance
Groundbreaking	1577
Completed	1592
Specifications
Length	75 metres (246 ft)
Width	30 metres (98 ft)
Nave width	20 metres (66 ft)

The Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore (which means Church of the Most Holy Redeemer), often called Il Redentore, is a famous church from the 1500s. It's a Roman Catholic church located on the Giudecca island in Venice, Italy.

This beautiful church was designed by a well-known Italian architect named Andrea Palladio. It was built as a special thank-you to God for saving the city from a terrible outbreak of the plague. The church sits right on the water's edge of the Canale della Giudecca. Its grand design makes it a key part of the Giudecca island's view. Il Redentore is part of the Chorus Association of Venetian churches. Inside, you can find many paintings by famous artists like Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese.

History of Il Redentore Church
Exploring the Church's Exterior
Inside the Church
- Art and Paintings Inside
Gallery
See also

History of Il Redentore Church

Il Redentore was built as a "votive church." This means it was a special offering or promise made to God. It was built to thank God for ending a huge plague that hit Venice between 1575 and 1576. This plague was very serious, causing about 46,000 people to die. That was a big part of the city's population!

The leaders of Venice, called the Senate, asked architect Andrea Palladio to design this important church. Even though the Senate wanted a square church, Palladio designed it with a single long main hall (called a nave). It also had three small chapels on each side. The church's great spot on the Canale della Giudecca allowed Palladio to create a front design inspired by the ancient Pantheon in Rome. He placed it on a wide platform, and you had to climb 15 steps to reach the entrance. This was a special reference to the Temple of Jerusalem. Palladio believed that climbing these steps would help people feel more devoted.

The first stone of the church was laid on May 3, 1577. The building was officially opened and blessed in 1592. After it was finished, the church was given to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, a group of monks. A few of these monks still live in the monastery next to the church today.

Every year, the leader of Venice, the doge, and other important senators would walk across a special pontoon bridge. This bridge was built just for the occasion, connecting the Zattere area to Giudecca island. They would attend a special Mass at the church. This event is still a big celebration in Venice today, called the Festa del Redentore. It happens on the third Sunday in July. The night before, there's a huge firework display, followed by a big procession across the pontoon bridge.

In May 2022, a part of the church's front was marked with pink paint. Officials are now working to restore the stone.

Exploring the Church's Exterior

Il Redentore has one of the most important locations of all of Palladio's buildings. Many people see it as one of his best works. It's a large, white building with a round dome on top. The dome is crowned with a statue of the Redeemer. On the front of the church, there are two triangular shapes called pediments. A smaller one sits on top of a larger, lower one. This classic design reminds us of Palladio's other church, San Francesco della Vigna.

Palladio was famous for using exact geometric shapes in his designs. This church's front is a great example. The total height of the church is four-fifths of its total width. The width of the middle part is five-sixths of its height. Some people think the two tall bell towers, called campanili, look a bit like minarets from Eastern architecture.

Inside the Church

Since Il Redentore was a pilgrimage church, it needed a long main hall (nave). This was a bit tricky for Palladio, who loved classical architecture. The result is a unique building. The inside is made of white stucco and gray stone. It combines the long nave with a domed area where the church's arms cross. These spaces are clearly separate but also flow together smoothly. A continuous line of Corinthian order columns runs all around the interior.

Art and Paintings Inside

Il Redentore is home to many beautiful paintings. You can see works by artists like Francesco Bassano, Paolo Veronese, and the workshop of Tintoretto. The church's sacristy (a room where sacred items are kept) also has a collection of wax heads of Franciscans made in 1710.

The famous painter Canaletto painted this church many times. One of his paintings of Il Redentore is currently kept at Woburn Abbey in England.