San Giorgio Maggiore Church is a 16th-century Benedictine basilica on an island across the lagoon from St Mark’s Square. Andrea Palladio designed its white classical façade, which is one of the most recognizable sights from the waterfront. Inside, look for the high altar and paintings by Venetian artists, including Tintoretto’s The Last Supper. The church is free to enter. If the bell tower is open, its lift takes you up for views across Venice and the lagoon; check access before making the trip, as renovation work has affected entry.
Palladio’s church on the lagoon
San Giorgio Maggiore Church stands on its namesake island, opposite the waterfront around St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. Its bright Istrian stone façade is easy to pick out across the water, and the church is a familiar part of the Venetian skyline.
Andrea Palladio designed the church in the Renaissance style. Work began in 1565 or 1566, and the building was completed in 1610. Its classical columns and connected façade forms draw on Roman temple architecture. From the island, look back across the lagoon toward St Mark’s Campanile, the Doge’s Palace and Santa Maria della Salute.
Paintings and architecture inside
The interior has a broad nave, tall windows and imposing columns and arches. Filtered daylight reaches the space from high above, while paintings line the church walls. The high altar is another focal point.
Works by Venetian artists include paintings by Sebastiano Ricci, Palma il Giovane, Jacopo Bassano and Tintoretto. Tintoretto’s The Last Supper is among the works associated with the church. An information card can help you identify the paintings as you move through the interior.
Contemporary art has also appeared in the church. Installations by Berlinde De Bruyckere respond to the building’s sacred setting, bringing sculptural forms inspired by religious imagery and mythology into conversation with the space.
The island and bell tower
A vaporetto connects San Giorgio Maggiore with the central waterfront. The short crossing gives you a close view of the church’s façade as you approach. The island is also home to art institutions, including Fondazione Cini and Le Stanze del Vetro.
When the campanile is open, a lift carries visitors to the top. From there, the view takes in Venice and the lagoon, including St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. Access has been affected by renovation work, so check the church’s official website before setting out. The tower may require a separate payment, and cash has been reported as necessary for some visits.
FAQ
Is San Giorgio Maggiore Church free to enter?
Entry to the church is free. The bell tower may have a separate charge.
How do you get to San Giorgio Maggiore Church?
Take a vaporetto to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, across the lagoon from St Mark’s Square.
Can you go up the bell tower?
Access has been affected by renovation work. Check the official website before visiting to confirm whether the tower is open.
What can you see inside San Giorgio Maggiore Church?
The church has a broad nave, a high altar and paintings by Venetian artists, including Tintoretto.
