View of the Rialto Bridge, Venice; and Procession in front of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice

Imploring the Virgin's intercession to end the plague that ravaged Venice in 1630, Doge Nicolò Contarini vowed to construct the church of Santa Maria della Salute and to commemorate the miracle with an annual procession. Seen here, the citizens of Venice march across a temporary bridge spanning the Grand Canal that has been constructed for this festival, which is traditionally celebrated on the 21st of November.