Most of the photos you’ve seen so far have been of churches and frescoes that have been restored. Given their age – 400 to 500 years old – it is amazing there is anything left to restore. The effect of light, exhaled moist air, and incense burned over hundreds of years causes paintings and frescoes to darken. 

Compare this section of unrestored wall from the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice with the restored section around the (also restored) painting in the picture underneath. 

I am guessing that this work has the be prioritised because it is painstaking and expensive. 

Regardless, this is another stunning church as you can see from the image below, and like all the churches we’ve seen are in active use. 

The dome appears to also be partially restored but is still a marvel. 

The floor is red and white marble, some sections of which are worn from centuries of use.

The choir stalls, by Marco Cozzi, are incredibly detailed, with each seat having its own individually carved Saint. 

This church also houses the tomb of composer Claudio Monteverdi. He was buried here in 1643. 

While walking around I noticed a device attached to a collum with thin wire going to the next. This is for measuring movement in the building. Venice, as I’m sure you know is built on dozens of small islands in a lagoon. 

Admission to this church was €3 each which we had no objection to paying as a contribution to the restoration and upkeep of the place. Hopefully this will help it continue to stand for generations to come.