Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) Venice
A vast, art-filled Gothic basilica, serving as the final resting place for 25 Venetian Doges, featuring a stunning Veronese ceiling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) Venice
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, art-filled Gothic basilica, serving as the final resting place for 25 Venetian Doges, featuring a stunning Veronese ceiling.
"A must-visit for its art, history, and sheer grandeur, this basilica is a testament to Venice's powerful past."
Don't Miss the Art!
Explore the numerous chapels and tombs for incredible art and historical insights.
Look Up!
The ceiling by Veronese is a must-see. Prepare to be amazed by its scale and detail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tomb of the Doges
Interior
Marvel at the elaborate tombs of 25 Venetian Doges, a testament to the city's powerful past.
Veronese's Ceiling Masterpiece
Ceiling
Gaze up at the breathtaking ceiling artwork by Paolo Veronese, a true highlight of Renaissance art.
The Great Hall
Main Nave
Experience the immense scale and artistic richness of the basilica's main nave.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at San Zanipolo
Art & History Immersion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Miss the Art!
Explore the numerous chapels and tombs for incredible art and historical insights.
Look Up!
The ceiling by Veronese is a must-see. Prepare to be amazed by its scale and detail.
Near the Hospital
Conveniently located near the hospital, making it an accessible stop on your Venice itinerary.
Churches in Venice - advice
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Miss the Art!
Explore the numerous chapels and tombs for incredible art and historical insights.
Look Up!
The ceiling by Veronese is a must-see. Prepare to be amazed by its scale and detail.
Near the Hospital
Conveniently located near the hospital, making it an accessible stop on your Venice itinerary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Santi Giovanni e Paolo for its immense scale, stunning Gothic architecture, and rich artistic treasures, particularly the Veronese ceiling and the tombs of the Doges. While generally free to enter, some find the additional fees for certain areas a bit much. It's highly recommended for its historical significance and artistic beauty.
"Really enjoyed visit to the Basilica.
It is right next to the hospital which also has an amazing entrance BTW.
It's just 3.5 euro each to get in and you are met with an amazing and large area.
There several little chapels off the main area. There are many works of religious art on the walls. Looks like some rich people also managed to get some tombs or statues or whatever rich people like spending money on in churches to be try to be remembered (I ignored all the names so they also failed).
There is a crucifix with a kneeler in the centre.
A reminder of what happened to a man who tried to spread peace. Such a shame that 2000 years later terror still reigns and bullies are still in control .
The vaulted ceilings are fantastic, but the piece de resistance is the wonderful stained glass window. A mirror is provided to get an even closer look.
Words don't really do the place justice so I have posted several pictures.
Truly worth visiting."
Chris Who
"Simply put, this is the largest church in Venice. Step inside, and the vastness and serenity feel almost otherworldly.
Its immense scale means there’s no shortage of art to uncover at every turn, from intricate marble altars and vibrant frescoes to majestic cupolas, stained glass windows, patterned floors, and grand tombs."
CityScrolls
"Beautiful church! There is a small fee to enter. The staff members Sam and Fra Giuseppe were super friendly and helpful! I bought a rosary and Fra was so kind to interrupt his work to bless it with a beautiful prayer.
The architecture and art are beautifully displayed throughout on the various alters. We found relics on display including a foot of Saint Catherine of Siena.
This was a pleasant surprise and another jewel in the Venice . I highly recommend a visit!"
Karen Cabral
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santi Giovanni e Paolo, also known as San Zanipolo, is easily accessible by Vaporetto (water bus). Take line 1 or 2 to the Ospedale (Hospital) stop, which is very close by. From there, it's a short walk. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from other central areas of Venice.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from St. Mark's Square to Santi Giovanni e Paolo, taking about 10-15 minutes. It's a great way to see more of the city's charming streets and canals.
While traghettos are a budget-friendly way to cross the Grand Canal, they don't directly serve the San Zanipolo area. The closest traghetto crossing is further down the Grand Canal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main basilica is often free, but there might be a small fee for specific areas or exhibitions. It's always best to check the official website or inquire upon arrival for the most current admission details.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the basilica is open daily from morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to confirm the exact hours before your visit, especially on Sundays or holidays.
Access to the Doges' tombs might be included with a general admission ticket or require a separate fee. Check for specific ticketing information for the monumental areas.
While many major attractions in Venice offer online booking, it's less common for churches unless there's a special exhibition. For standard entry, purchasing tickets on-site is usually the norm.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the basilica, but often without flash to protect the artwork. Always look for signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
The main nave offers a grand perspective, and the ceiling by Veronese is a spectacular subject. The elaborate Doge tombs also make for impressive shots.
🎫 🏛️ History & Art
Santi Giovanni e Paolo is renowned as the burial place of 25 Venetian Doges and for its stunning Gothic architecture and significant artworks, including Veronese's ceiling.
The basilica is the necropolis for 25 Doges of Venice, making it a historically significant site for understanding Venetian leadership and power.
You can admire works by renowned artists like Veronese (ceiling), as well as numerous sculptures and paintings within the chapels and tombs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Art Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to explore the various chapels, each often featuring unique altarpieces and decorative elements by different artists. Researching the key artists and their contributions beforehand can greatly enhance your appreciation of the basilica's artistic wealth.
History Buffs
Understanding the context of the Venetian Republic's rise and fall makes exploring this basilica even more impactful. It's a place where history is not just read about but can be seen and felt through the monumental architecture and the resting places of those who governed Venice for centuries.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Doges' Necropolis
Among the most notable tombs are those of Doge Enrico Dandolo, who led Venice during the Fourth Crusade, and Doge Andrea Vendramin, whose tomb is a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture. The sheer artistry and scale of these monuments underscore the importance the Venetians placed on honoring their leaders. It's a fascinating glimpse into the political and social hierarchy of the past.
Key takeaway: Dedicate time to appreciate the individual tombs; they are artworks in themselves and crucial to understanding Venice's history. Look for the distinctive lion of St. Mark often incorporated into the designs.
Artistic Marvels Above and Within
Inside, numerous chapels house altarpieces, frescoes, and sculptures by various masters. The sheer volume of art can be overwhelming, so it's worth researching some of the key pieces beforehand or taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the context and significance of each artwork. The interplay of light and shadow within the vast Gothic space enhances the viewing experience, making each corner a potential discovery.
Pro-tip: Consider bringing a small pair of binoculars if you want a closer look at the intricate details of the ceiling artwork from below.
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