Basilica Santa Maria Della Salute’s imposing Baroque structure looks like it guards the beautiful city of Venice. You can’t miss it standing from the Grand Canal. Its impressive dome was put in by the survivors of the plague. For their salvation, the city built the church as a dedication to Our Lady of Health/Deliverance (Salute).

One of the survivors of the plague was Titian who died at age 94. Inside, you’ll find 12 of his original paintings hanging in the sacristy.

Basilica Santa Maria Della Salute – Where 12 Titian’s Paintings Hang Inside

Unfortunately for me, despite running as fast as I could, the basilica was already closed when I went there. Well, I arrived there at 4:45 PM but they told me that they won’t sell me tickets anymore because they’d be closing soon. And it was my last day in the city, so no more time to go back the next day.

How to Save Time and Money in Venice

Venice can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor. You would have no idea where and how to start. There are just many things to do and see, and most often – if you do it on your own, there’s a fat chance you’ll be lost in the narrow alleys. How many times did I end up on a dead-end alley? Countless! Google Maps seemed confused, too!

So, to save time, money, and effort, do yourself a favor – choose a tour! You don’t have to join everything but choose the ones you think would be interesting to do.

Related: Panoramic Views of Venice from the Top of San Marco Campanile

Where to stay in Venice

Venice is expensive. Like, really expensive. That’s why many backpackers would go on a day trip from Milan or Bologna. If you decide to stay for a night or two, try Venezia Naturalmente. It’s the cheapest I could find in the city. It’s within walking distance to everything, including the water taxi, San Marco Square, and two major bridges connecting to the Grand Canal’s other side. The staff is friendly, and they’d help you navigate the city. It’s clean, and it’s also in a quiet area.