It 's a recurrence with very ancient origins, was born following one of the largest epidemics of bubonic plague, the one that hit northern Italy between 1630 and 1631, the same epidemic told by Alessandro Manzoni in the famous novel "I Promessi Sposi".
The population was decimated and the Senate decided that a vow was made to build a temple in honor of the "Blessed Virgin" (just as it happened in 1576 with the vow to the Redeemer) and to dedicate it to Madonna della Salute. In 1631 the epidemic finally slowed and the Republic decided to entrust the project of the church to Baldassarre Longhena. The church was finished in about 50 years and is still one of the greatest expressions of Venetian Baroque. For more than three centuries, pilgrims have been celebrating Madonna della Salute on 21st of November. They cross the votive bridge that connects the sestiere of San Marco with that of Dorsoduro (the votive bridge is temporarily installed only for the period of the anniversary) and light a candle inside the Church.
On the occasion of Salute you can taste the typical "Castradina", a dish made of onion, cabbage, wine and leg of mutton salted and smoked. The preparation of the dish lasts about 3 days and is a delicacy!
