San Stae Venice
A 17th-century Baroque church on the Grand Canal, housing one of the world's largest oil paintings and a fascinating textile and perfume museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
San Stae Venice
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century Baroque church on the Grand Canal, housing one of the world's largest oil paintings and a fascinating textile and perfume museum.
"Discover the grandeur of San Stae, a Venetian gem with a breathtaking ceiling fresco and a unique perfume museum."
🎯 Vaporetto Pass Value
Consider a Vaporetto pass if you plan multiple rides; single tickets add up quickly!
🚶♀️ Wander Off the Beaten Path
Explore the quieter neighborhoods around San Stae to find hidden gems and fewer tourists.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grandeur of the Ceiling Fresco
San Stae Church
Marvel at the immense ceiling fresco by Mattia Preti, one of the largest oil paintings ever created, depicting the Apotheosis of Saint Andrew.

Baroque Facade
San Stae Church
Admire the striking Baroque facade of San Stae, a unique design by Giovanni Grassi, contrasting with other Venetian churches.

Palazzo Mocenigo Museum
Adjacent to San Stae
Explore the history of Venetian textiles and perfumes at Palazzo Mocenigo, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at San Stae
Navigating Venice's Waterways
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Vaporetto Pass Value
Consider a Vaporetto pass if you plan multiple rides; single tickets add up quickly!
🚶♀️ Wander Off the Beaten Path
Explore the quieter neighborhoods around San Stae to find hidden gems and fewer tourists.
☕ Coffee Break Spot
Grab a pistachio croissant at a nearby cafe for a delicious Venetian breakfast experience.
👃 Perfume Museum Visit
Don't miss Palazzo Mocenigo for a unique scent-filled journey into Venetian history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Vaporetto Pass Value
Consider a Vaporetto pass if you plan multiple rides; single tickets add up quickly!
🚶♀️ Wander Off the Beaten Path
Explore the quieter neighborhoods around San Stae to find hidden gems and fewer tourists.
☕ Coffee Break Spot
Grab a pistachio croissant at a nearby cafe for a delicious Venetian breakfast experience.
👃 Perfume Museum Visit
Don't miss Palazzo Mocenigo for a unique scent-filled journey into Venetian history.
📸 Grand Canal Views
Enjoy the picturesque Grand Canal views from the San Stae Vaporetto stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise San Stae for its impressive Baroque art, especially the grand ceiling fresco, and its unique facade. The adjacent Palazzo Mocenigo is noted for its fascinating exhibits on textiles and perfumes. While some find it less crowded than major attractions, others suggest it's a gem easily overlooked by tourists.
"Impressive church located at the Canale Grande. Site of the final scene of the famous movie "Don't Look Now"."
Thorsten Hennig-Thurau
"Very beautiful small church , worth the visit!"
Blocky Core
"Beautiful walk-through Ghetto"
Vojtěch Mrověc
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Stae is easily accessible via the Vaporetto (water bus) line 1 or 2, with its own stop directly on the Grand Canal. It's a convenient stop for exploring the area and reaching other parts of Venice.
San Stae is a short Vaporetto ride or a pleasant walk from the Rialto Bridge, offering a slightly less crowded perspective of the Grand Canal.
From Marco Polo Airport, you can take the Alilaguna water bus directly to the San Stae stop, or opt for a land bus to Piazzale Roma and then a Vaporetto.
Yes, you can walk to San Stae from St. Mark's Square, it's a scenic route through charming Venetian streets, taking about 15-20 minutes.
There is no direct parking at San Stae as it's on the Grand Canal. The nearest parking is at Piazzale Roma, from where you can take a Vaporetto to San Stae.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to San Stae Church is typically free, though donations are appreciated. However, special exhibitions or events might require a ticket.
San Stae Church generally opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
Yes, Palazzo Mocenigo, the museum of textiles and perfumes, requires an entrance fee. It's often included in the Venice Museum Pass if you plan to visit multiple museums.
San Stae Church is usually open on Sundays, but hours might be slightly reduced due to services. It's best to confirm the specific Sunday hours.
While San Stae Church itself may not have combined tickets, the Palazzo Mocenigo is part of the Venice Museum circuit, which offers passes for multiple sites.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside San Stae Church, but it's important to be respectful and avoid using flash, especially during services.
The Vaporetto stop at San Stae offers excellent vantage points for photographing the church's facade and the Grand Canal. The bridge nearby also provides lovely shots.
Yes, you can photograph the impressive ceiling fresco, but remember to turn off your flash to preserve the artwork and respect other visitors.
The San Stae area on the Grand Canal can offer beautiful sunset views, especially from the Vaporetto or nearby bridges.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more flattering light for photography at San Stae, and also helps avoid the harshest midday sun and crowds.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
The San Stae area has several bacari (wine bars) and trattorias offering traditional Venetian cicchetti and meals. Exploring the side streets can reveal local favorites.
You can find local bars serving excellent espresso and cappuccinos near San Stae. For a special treat, try a pistachio croissant at a nearby cafe.
Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, small snacks often served with wine. Look for bacari in the San Stae neighborhood for an authentic experience.
Prices can vary. Bacari offering cicchetti are generally more budget-friendly than full-service restaurants. Venturing a few streets away from the main canal can also yield better prices.
Many trattorias and bacari offer vegetable-based cicchetti and pasta dishes. It's always a good idea to ask about vegetarian options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When exploring the area around San Stae, encourage kids to look for hidden courtyards and bridges, turning the journey into a treasure hunt. Trying cicchetti at a local bacaro can be a fun and casual way for the whole family to sample local flavors without the commitment of a formal meal.
💰 Budget Travelers
For dining, focus on cicchetti at bacari rather than full-service restaurants. These Venetian tapas are delicious, affordable, and a great way to experience local food culture. Wandering off the main tourist paths around San Stae can lead you to less expensive eateries and shops.
🏛️ Art & History Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during quieter hours to fully absorb the artistic and historical ambiance. Researching the artists and historical context beforehand can enhance your appreciation of the works on display. The Vaporetto ride itself offers a historical perspective, showcasing the city's unique relationship with its waterways.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic Masterpiece of San Stae
Beyond the ceiling, the interior of San Stae boasts other notable artistic contributions. The facade, designed by Giovanni Grassi, is a striking example of Venetian Baroque, characterized by its dynamic lines and decorative elements, setting it apart from many other churches in the city. Inside, you'll find sculptures and altarpieces by prominent artists of the era, contributing to the church's rich artistic heritage. The overall atmosphere is one of grandeur and historical significance, offering a deep dive into Venetian art and religious history.
Exploring Palazzo Mocenigo
The museum's collection highlights the importance of Venice as a center for textile production and trade throughout history. You can see exquisite examples of lace, brocade, and other luxurious materials that were highly sought after across Europe. Furthermore, the museum dedicates significant space to the art of perfumery, showcasing ancient tools, ingredients, and the evolution of fragrance creation. It’s a sensory journey that appeals to those interested in fashion, history, and the subtle art of scent.
Navigating Venice with the Vaporetto
The San Stae Vaporetto stop is conveniently located on the Grand Canal, making it a key hub for accessing the church and the nearby Palazzo Mocenigo. It also serves as a vital connection point for various Vaporetto lines, allowing easy travel to other major attractions like Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Many travelers recommend using the Vaporetto not just for transport but as a scenic tour in itself, offering unparalleled views of Venice's iconic architecture from the water.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit