On the eastern edge of Venice’s Castello district, the Basilica of San Pietro di Castello stands on a quiet island reached by bridge. It served as Venice’s cathedral from 1451 to 1807, before that role passed to San Marco. Inside, look for the mosaic All Saints altarpiece by Arminio Zuccato, based on a design by Tintoretto, and Pietro Liberi’s 1660 painting The Plague of Serpents. The basilica’s calm surroundings and nearby green campo make the walk part of the visit.
Venice’s former cathedral
San Pietro di Castello served as Venice’s main cathedral from 1451 until 1807, when that role passed to San Marco. The basilica stands on an island connected to the eastern part of Castello by a bridge. Its setting is quieter than the city’s main tourist areas, with a large green campo at the centre of the island.
The church has a restrained Renaissance appearance and a white facade. The surrounding streets make the walk here part of the visit, especially if you want to explore a less crowded stretch of Castello.
Artworks to find inside
Look for the mosaic All Saints altarpiece by Arminio Zuccato, made from a design by Tintoretto. It can take some searching to locate inside the basilica, so allow time to look around rather than heading straight back out.
Pietro Liberi’s painting The Plague of Serpents, dated 1660, is to the right of the presbytery. These works are among the basilica’s distinctive pieces of art.
Häufige Fragen
When is the Basilica of San Pietro di Castello open?
It is open Monday to Saturday from 2:30 to 5 pm and closed on Sundays.
What artworks should I look for inside?
Look for Arminio Zuccato’s All Saints mosaic altarpiece, based on a design by Tintoretto, and Pietro Liberi’s The Plague of Serpents, dated 1660.
Is there a combined ticket?
Yes. A combined ticket covers this basilica and six other churches.
