Inside the Santa Maria della Salute Cathedral in Venice

Everywhere inside the church, one can encounter the Virgin Mary. The massive dome represents the Virgin's crown, the cave-like interior her womb, and the octagonal design is akin to the eight-pointed star, which are all traditional symbols. However, the group of saints above the central nave's balustrade is a novel attempt. Santa Maria della Salute is deeply intertwined with the Venetians and the character of their city. On November 21st, during the Festa della Madonna della Salute (Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin), Venetian officials cross a specially constructed pontoon bridge from San Marco to Santa Maria della Salute for a ceremony of thanks and remembrance. The interior is also filled with magnificent works of art.