Santa Maria della Salute: Interior

Longhena was commissioned to build a votive church in thanks for the end of an outbreak of the plague. He accordingly planned two spaces. The first was an octagon with an ambulatory and chapels for the congregation, while the second was rectangular with two apses and intended to be used for services of thanksgiving. The design of the interior followed Venetian tradition in many respects. The gray and white of the architectural elements was derived directly from Palladio. The decorative features on the columns were new. They do not continue up to the level of the tambour but are transformed, above the corbelling, into pedestals for imposing statues of prophets.

The large dome of the Salute has and inner and outer vault, the outer one consisting of lead over wood, in keeping with Venetian custom.

The photo shows a view into the dome.