In 1630, Venice was struck by a terrible plague, which killed a lot of people. Then the Senate decided that if we can get rid of the epidemic, in honor of the Virgin Mary will be built a huge temple. Able to cope with the plague, and the Senate has announced a competition to design the church.

Young Longhena Baldassarri won the competition and the work began in 1631, but suddenly had to face great difficulties. The first ground, unable to bear the weight of the structure began to settle and Long was forced to reinforce his scoring pile. And when they came to the construction of the central dome, it was found that the walls are not ready to bear the weight, and then the young architect was forced to erect to maintain the original drum and whimsical "snail". When in 1687 the church was consecrated, five years have passed since the death of Baldassarri Long.

Simple and at the same time impressive interior octagonal shape with six side chapels, which are installed on the arches of the dome drum. Marble sculpture on the central altar depicts "Plague, escaping from the Virgin Mary," created by Giusto Le Court. In the church are stored as works by Tintoretto and Titian.