In 1630-31, the plague devastated Venice.  One third of the population -- 95,000 people -- died during the outbreak.   In October, 1630 as the plague had Venice on her knees, the Doge and the Senate vowed to make a holy processional each Saturday for fifteen weeks.  And he also promised to dedicate a church to the Virgin Mary as a plea for her help.  Soon thereafter the plague outbreak broke, and the people of Venice set about to fulfill the promise.

To read about how Venice kept her promise and the gorgeous Santa Maria della Salute, check out my home blog:

http://www.gypsysguide.com/2009/11/photo-friday-santa-maria-della-salute.html