In this article, I present the Church of Saint Pantaleone in Veniceone of the city's most popular saints!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Saint Pantalon church
- What you can see in this church
- How to reach it easily
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Nearby attractions
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Saint Pantaleone church, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Saint Pantaleone: article summary
Saint Pantaleone: discovering Saint Pantalon
The church of Saint Pantaleone (is dedicated to the saint of the same name, Pantaleon of Nicomedia. It is located in the Dorsoduro district in Venice, and you'll see why it's well worth a visit!
But first, let's find out who this strange character is...!
Saint Pantalon, a popular saint
Pantaleon of Nicomediamore commonly known as San Pantwas a 3rd/4th-century physician at the court of Emperor Maximilian.
He converted to Christianity and began caring for the sick. in the name of ChristThis led to several assassination attempts, from which he escaped. However, he refused to renounce his beliefs, and was tortured from several different ways : burned alive except that the flames are extinguished, sunk in lead but the lead cooled, drowned, eaten alive or quartered, with each time a kind of miracle who intervened to spare him. Finally, he was beheaded in 304/305.
Considered a martyr, Saint Pantaleone will be canonized in Rome, and is celebrated every July 27. The most fervent devotees even celebrate him every 27th of every month!
On the one hand, Saint Pantaleone is the patron saint of doctorsbut is also a recurring character in the commedia dell'arte ! His face can be seen at the celebrations of the Venice Carnivalin mask form!
The reason is simple: this saint being very popular in VenicePerhaps envious of the city's success and brilliance throughout Europe, its neighbors nicknamed the Venetians Pantalone. As a result, this character represents the venetian bourgeoisstingy, credulous, libertine and very meticulous.
And for the more perceptive who wonder if there's a connection with the word Pants in French, the answer is Yes ! This word was taken up by the people of France, in connection with the atypical outfit worn by the commedia dell'arte character!
Presentation of the church of Saint Pantaleone
There are several churches dedicated to Saint Pantaleone in France, Switzerland and elsewhere, but the one we're interested in here is in Venice.
It's hard to say exactly when this church was built, but the building you can see today dates from 1668 – 1686. It is said to have been built in place of a previous church by Francesco Comin of Treviso.
Its façade should have been covered marble, but the construction remains unfinished, you will only see red bricksThis is one of its key features. But, as I'll explain later, that's not its only attraction!
What can you see in Saint Pantaleone church?
Many visitors are satisfied with a visit to the major monuments during their stay in Venice, often for lack of time.
But if you have the time visit the church of San PantalonHere are just a few examples of the wonders you'll find.
Fumiani's trompe-l'œil ceiling
Just look up into the church and you'll see The Martyrdom and Glory of Saint Pantaleon, masterpiece by Giovanni Antonio Fumiani. The Baroque painter spent 25 years old of his life to achieve this marvel, which you can only measure with binoculars.
It is one of the world's largest canvases, measuring 61.2 m × 46.0 m, for a total of 443 m2 ! You can follow the martyrdom of the Saint Pantaleone in striking detail on this set of 40 canvases!
For this painting alone, I invite you to enter this church!
The painting "The Conversion of San Pantalon" by Paolo Veronese
You can also admire a painting by Veroneseentitled the Conversion of Saint Pantaleon (1587). He can be seen healing a child on a painting on the wall at the back of the main chapel.
Other works by major artists
Between the various chapels, the main altar and the walls surrounding the nave, you'll come across paintings and sculptures by renowned artists.
You can also admire other creations by Fumianimarble statues of Bonazzaa canvas of Gregorio Lazzarini, the Coronation of the Virgin from Vivarinifrescoes by Pietro Longhi and several works by Paolo Veneziano.
Pavements with impressive effects
If the ceiling leaves you breathless, remember to look at the floor too. In places, the paving and its 3D effect leaves you breathless, when it's not the mosaics that impress.
The church bell tower
If it's not comparable, in terms of dimensions, at Campanile of the Place St MarcThe bell tower of Saint Pantaleone church is no less remarkable. It was built in 1710 and measures 47 meters high !
In short, if you love Venetian art and don't have the time to visit all the museums in Venice, a visit to this church of Saint Pantaleone will give you a great overview!
Good to know for art lovers who want to visit as many museums as possible, think of the Venice Museum Pass.
How to reach Saint Pantaleone in Venice?
The church of San Pantalon can be found at the following address: campo San Pantalon, Sestiere Dorsoduro, 3703, 30123 Venice
Getting there is easy:
- By vaporettovia line 1, stop Toma Athen a 5-minute walk
- On foot if you are in the Dorsoduro district or nearby San Poloit's only a 15-minute walk between Rialto Bridge and San Pantalon church!
- By opting for a water cab !
Good to know if you're thinking of taking the vaporetto in Venice, there are a Vaporetto Pass which allows you to take them unlimited and save money!
Saint Pantaleone: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's everything you need to know before visiting the Church of Saint Pantaleone!
Rates and booking
The tour is free of charge and it's never crowded.
Visit donations are of course welcome to help preserve the beauty of the place.
Opening hours
Every day (except Friday, closed) from 10am to 12:30pm and then from 3:30pm to 6pm.
It opens at 9am on Sundays.
Practical information
Visits may be limited during religious holidays.
In addition, it is forbidden to take photos or film without prior authorization.
What to see and do in the area?
There's no shortage of attractions in the area. Here are a few suggestions:
- Browse Campo San Pantalon where the church stands, and discover the two bridges that cross it and span the Ca' Foscarione of Venice's many small canals
- Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum to discover some of the madcap inventions of Italian genius
- Explore the Dorsoduro district to see the Palazzo Grassi and the Ca'Rezzonico that are there!
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
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