Church of the Most Holy Redeemer
Church of the Most Holy Redeemer
When we look at the photograph depicting the church Il Redentore, also known as the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, we are most likely struck by its location, as it is situated on an island. The church is separated from the sea (Giudecca Canal) by just a small courtyard, which adds to the interest of this structure. The island on which this building stands is called Giudecca and is located in the Dorsoduro district.
Its importance may be diminished by the very dense development of the surrounding worldly buildings pressed tightly together. The buildings are in such close proximity likely because it is an island in an important city where every square meter is very valuable. The architect Andrea Palladio, who designed this building, likely had to come up with a way to visually enhance its importance. Therefore, he probably decided to build the church on a pedestal, so that church visitors must ascend not just two or three steps, but a full fifteen before reaching the sanctuary.
The exterior of the church first attracts attention with its two-tone appearance. The front façade, where the entrance is located, resembles the Pantheon in Rome and simultaneously alludes to classical architecture. The front façade, with its contrast of white against the rest of the building, which is brick red, gives the impression of a sort of backdrop. Another prominent feature of the church is the large dome and two bell towers with distinct Turkish influence resembling two Turkish minarets.
The interior of the church consists of a vestibule leading to the nave, which has three adjoining chapels on each side. Further, the nave is lined with two apses, one on each side. The nave culminates at the end in a transept with a presbytery. The interior of the church is dominated by two materials - white stucco and gray stone. The entire interior, especially the nave, is lined with columns in the Corinthian order.
Interestingly, the church was built as an expression of gratitude for the city’s deliverance from a plague epidemic that plagued Venice between 1575 and 1576. During this epidemic, about a quarter of Venice's population died.
Its importance may be diminished by the very dense development of the surrounding worldly buildings pressed tightly together. The buildings are in such close proximity likely because it is an island in an important city where every square meter is very valuable. The architect Andrea Palladio, who designed this building, likely had to come up with a way to visually enhance its importance. Therefore, he probably decided to build the church on a pedestal, so that church visitors must ascend not just two or three steps, but a full fifteen before reaching the sanctuary.
The exterior of the church first attracts attention with its two-tone appearance. The front façade, where the entrance is located, resembles the Pantheon in Rome and simultaneously alludes to classical architecture. The front façade, with its contrast of white against the rest of the building, which is brick red, gives the impression of a sort of backdrop. Another prominent feature of the church is the large dome and two bell towers with distinct Turkish influence resembling two Turkish minarets.
The interior of the church consists of a vestibule leading to the nave, which has three adjoining chapels on each side. Further, the nave is lined with two apses, one on each side. The nave culminates at the end in a transept with a presbytery. The interior of the church is dominated by two materials - white stucco and gray stone. The entire interior, especially the nave, is lined with columns in the Corinthian order.
Interestingly, the church was built as an expression of gratitude for the city’s deliverance from a plague epidemic that plagued Venice between 1575 and 1576. During this epidemic, about a quarter of Venice's population died.
Eva Harlenderová
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