Owing to the devastating outbreak of the plague in Venice, the Santa Maria della Salute was a plea to stop the plague, and in honor of the Virgin Mary. Often an icon of anyone’s photos of the trip to Venice, the curving dome of the church is indeed striking. This massive cupola is unusual in that it sits over an octagonal-shaped building.

This vast building was built on a platform made of 100,000 wooden piles and made of Istrian stone and marmorino. For over three centuries since, it has remained intact. Its exterior is grand and intricate, opulence no less impressive inside. Full of Marian symbolism, the high altar here holds a Byzantine "Madonna and Child" brought all the way from Crete. Titian masterpieces are largely represented here and you'll find your eyes glued to the decorations in awed silence. It would seem that the plea worked - and the church was thought to have curative properties. What do you think? Step into this church and decide.