Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Frari is the biggest church I saw in Venice. The architecture is one of the more plain gothic style churches I have seen. Not as pretty as the other buildings you find in Venice. Since it is made of brick, it is not as nice as the marble buildings. The best view is from the Eat Front. There is also a bell tower right behind the church.

Venice's only Gothic church. It is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. It is simply called "I Frari" as it was built by the brothers (frati) of the Franciscan order. LOCATION: In the San Polo sestiere but I remember just stumbling onto it while walking the island from my hotel in Dorsoduro to the train station on the opposite side of the island. ADMISSION: €3 Modest dress requested. I'm an atheist but as Christianity was highly influential in shaping European history I visit churches with the intent of understanding the history (and sometimes) art in shaping a region's cultural identity. As the Frari is not in San Marco, Rialto or any other major Venetian landmark I would've easily missed this church if not for Rick Steves' audioguide (http://podcasts.ricksteves.com/walkingtours/FrariChurch.mp3). His reasoning is that offers an opportunity to experience art in-situ (right where it was designed to be seen) as opposed to hanging in a museum. The audioguide explains the major art pieces in detail way better than I ever can. Here's a summary of the major pieces inside the church. - Titian's Assumption of Mary. This is considered to be Titian's magnum opus and his first major commission from a church. It's located behind the main altar. Its depiction of Mary was revolutionary for its time as she is seen as triumphant and depicted in soft and warm colors. - Titian's Madonna of Ca' Pesaro. What's significant is that this broke Renaissance tradition by depicting Mary and Jesus off-center and interacting with the commonfolk. - Giovanni Bellini's Madonna and Child aka the Frari Triptych. - Tombs of Titian and Canova. Titian had his tomb decorated with a relief of his most famous painting. On the other side Canova's cenotaph (Venice's most famous sculptor) is pyramid-shaped and was once meant for Titian, but when the church used the present design his pupils repurposed it for their master instead. It's a cenotaph because he isn't buried here but an urn contains his heart. Once you're done exploring the church the surrounding area is quieter than San Marco or Rialto. It makes for a good lunch/dinner spot and the prices are more reasonable.

The Frari is perhaps the church most worthwhile to consider visiting after Basilica di San Marco. The church is located at less touristy area comparing to the area of San Marco, and there was no line when I came. Inside, the works of art by Venetian artists are just amazing! Among these are two important paintings by Titian, Titian's tomb, and Antonio Canova's tomb.

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (aka Frari Church) was one of my favorite attractions in Venice. The church is beautiful, there were no lines to wait in, and the cost was only 3 Euros per person. Frari church has many beautiful Venetian sculptures. The main highlight at this church is Titian's Assumption over the main alter. We downloaded Rick Steves' free audio tour onto to our iPods and it really added to the experience since our knowledge on Venetian art and Frari Church were minimal. You can download the free audio tour at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/italy-audio-tours/id272230438 After you visit the church I recommend checking out the Dorsoduro neighborhood along the Grand Canal and buying a cone of gelato!

Please forgive me, I entered without paying the admission. Second only to San Marco, SM Glorioso dei Frari - or simply the Frari - is perhaps Venice's most important church. Aside from its religious importance, this church is also one of the tallest in the city as well! However, to us outsiders, the Frari is famous for her artworks, notably two of Titian's most famous work: the "Pesaro Madonna" and his signature start "Assumption". Plus, the Frari is also Venice's Westminster Abbey, because she is also the resting place of few greats including Titian himself! Now here's my sin: I entered without paying the admission even though I intended to. The church charges a small fee of €3 (€1.5 if you are a youth), but when I entered the church to pay, I realized I can see everything that I wanted to see from the unblocked entrance! Literally right at the door, I have a clear view of the "Assumption" in front, as well as Titian's grand tomb on the right and Canova's triangular tomb to the left. Because the rest of my family was waiting outside and no photography was allowed inside, I was satisfied with what I saw and left. However, if you have time, I truly recommend paying a small fee to admire the Frari. If you are busy or simply are not too interested, I still suggest popping your head in to see (assuming the staff doesn't start blocking the view) to see one of Venice's most beautiful churches! --- tl;dr version: 1) One of Venice's most important and beautiful churches 2) Home of Titian's tomb and his famous works 3) Small admission fee but much to see at the free entrance

Off the beaten paths but worth seeing. I'm not into doing a lot of basilica and cathedral visits. Two a day is probably my limit. This one is worth the visit. Very impressive with a good bit of information in English. Great artworks, of course.

The actual name is: Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari but is commonly known as the Frari. One of Venice's daddy churches housing a formidable collection of masterpieces and most specifically made work for the church itself. Entrance is E3, but get a Chorus pass and you can get into 16 churches for the price of 2. VeniceCard includes entrance to all Chorus pass churches. From the outside the church looks quite plain and dull, inside is cavernous, light and airy and dark and imposing. What is considered to be Titian's best work is one of the prominent features of the Frari - Assumption of the Virgin, which was apparantly considered too colourful when he first unveiled it. Titian himself is actually buried here. The momuments look quite odd but give the place a very peculiar feeling - one of timelessness.

A very reasonable place to visit, Just 3 euro to go in when we did last summer. There is plenty of history and beautiful sculpture and art to occupy your time while you are there. The scale of the place is quite awe-inspiring.