Frari Church (Basilica dei Frari)

The Basics

Due to the scope and importance of the Titian painting behind the main altar—and artworks inside the sacristy, nave, and side chapels—the best way to visit Frari Church is with a guide. Join a private or small-group tour to fully appreciate these Venetian art masterpieces. The church is located in Venice’s central San Polo district, home to the Rialto Bridge and market; it's a captivating neighborhood to explore on a walking tour.

This brick church was built for the Franciscans between the 14th and 15th centuries, and the monks commissioned a number of renowned artists and sculptors to decorate the interior. Significant works to seek out include Titian’sPesaro Madonna; Giovanni Bellini’sMadonna andChild with Saints Nicholas of Bari,Peter,Mark, andBenedict; and Donatello’sSt. John the Baptist. Be sure to admire the church’s ornately carved choir stalls by Marco Cozzi.

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When to Get There

Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and all of its sights are crowded in summer. If traveling from May to November, schedule a Frari Church visit in early morning or late afternoon, when you can enjoy the art and sculpture in relative peace. The church is open daily from morning until early evening and closes early on Sundays and holidays.

Notable Tombs in Frari Church

The Frari contains the funerary monuments of a number of important and wealthy Venetian doges and religious figures, including members of the powerful Pesaro family. The artist Titian is interred here, as is the heart of sculptor Antonio Canova, preserved inside a pyramid-shaped monument the artist had originally designed for the remains of Titian.