There are about 170 churches in Venice.
Many of them are among the city's main attractions.
In this guide, I present 5 of the best churches in Venice.
Churches in Venice: article summary
Churches in Venice: Saint Mark's Basilica
San Marco is the epicenter of Venice. It's one of the most beautiful churches in the world, with marvellous Byzantine flourishes.
Seeing the domes of Saint-MarcYou might say that it looks a little like some of the buildings in India. Venice brought back many influences from the Near East, and nowhere is this more evident than on St. Mark's Basilica.
Built to house the relics of St. Mark the Apostle, stolen from Alexandria, the interior is one of the most sumptuous you'll see in town. Here you can enjoy an extraordinary work of gilded mosaic.
A tourist magnet
The only downside to San Marco is that it's one of the victims of tourism in Venice. In high season, you can wait over an hour to get in, even if you've made a reservation! One solution is to visit Venice in winterwhen there are far fewer visitors.
The campanile, or bell tower, can be visited almost all year round. It only closes for two weeks every January.
At last, the mosaics light up between 11.30 a.m. and 12.45 p.m. on weekdays. However, given the crowds, this is unfortunately not the best time. They are also lit on Sundays and major religious holidays.
How do I get there?
The vaporetto the nearest are San Marco (Vallaresso) and San Marco (San Zaccaria). The Basilica is at the end of Piazza San Marco, and le Campanile is to about thirty metres.
San Giorgio Maggiore
San Giorgio Maggiore is for me the most beautiful church in Venice. You'll have an exceptional view of it along the Riva degli Schiavoni and the waterfront from Molo to San Marco.
It was one of the last works of the great architect Andrea Palladio and one of the most famous monuments in Venice.
The church's façade is modelled on that of a classical temple, and the interior is light and airy. It features several remarkable paintings, including two classic works by Tintoretto.
You can take an elevator to the top of the Campanile. for only €3. Beware: the bell inside is extremely noisy. I therefore recommend bring earplugs if you wish to climb to the top of the bell tower.
How do I get there?
Vaporetto number 2 stops at San Giorgioright in front of the church. It's just one stop from San Marco (San Zaccaria).
Churches in Venice: Santa Maria Del Giglio
Originally known as Santa Maria del Zobenigo, it bears the name of the family who founded it. Santa Maria del Giglio was built between 1680 and 1683. Its name translates as Sainte-Marie du Lys.
This is one of the churches built in Venice during the Baroque period. These usually had ornate facades full of statues, not always with a religious theme. However, Santa Maria del Giglio is, in a way, gracious.
How do I get there?
The Giglio vaporetto stop on the line 1 is 200 meters from the building.
Santa Maria Formosa
"Formosa" means "beautiful", and this elegant white church in the middle of the sestiere of Castello is magnificently proportioned. Its tall, slender campanile is the highest in the area. it is built in the shape of a Greek cross. The present church was begun around 1492, on the site of an earlier ruined church.
The church takes its name from a vision of the Virgin Mary, who appeared to St. Magnus as a buxom woman.
You'll have to walk to get here. In fact, it's very difficult to reach by gondola. One of Venice's best hidden attractions, the Libreria Acqua Alta bookshopis just a few steps away along Calle Lunga.
How do I get there?
The most convenient vaporetto stop is San Marco (San Zaccaria). The quickest route on foot from here is via Calle del Vin, towards Ruga Giuffa. You'll need to allow about a 10-minute walk.
Church in Venice: Santa Maria Dei Miracoli
This small church boasts some of the most exquisite architecture in Venice. It was built to house a painting of the Virgin Mary reputed to have miraculous properties, including the power to heal. Pietro Lombardo built this church at the end of the XVᵉ century.
The exterior is entirely covered in various types of marble, as is most of the interior.
How do I get there?
Santa Maria dei Miracoli is another of Venice's less accessible churches. The nearest vaporetto stops are Fondamente Nove to the north and Rialto to the south.
Sometimes it's hard to decide which church to visit when you're in Venice. There are so many to choose from. However, if you follow this list, I'm sure you'll find that enjoy the city's most beautiful monuments.
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.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Venice guide!
Leave a Reply