In this article, I present the Basilica San Giorgio Maggioreone of the wonders of Venice!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore
- What you can see inside the basilica
- How to get there
- Practical information for visiting
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
San Giorgio Maggiore: article summary
San Giorgio Maggiore, the basilica lost on an island
During the your stay in VeniceIf you have a little time to spare, I strongly recommend you visit Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiorelocated on the island of the same name, just opposite the Piazza San Marco !
You'll certainly be able to see it from the quay of Piazza San Marcojust a stone's throw from the Doge's Palace. And you can photograph it from afar, as most visitors do.
It must be said that the image is superbThe basilica occupies almost the entire island of San Giorgio Maggiore, and stands out against the horizon, offering photo enthusiasts a superb panorama.
But as I'll show you later, it's full of treasures and is well worth a visit if you wish to deepen your Venetian culture.
A brief history of the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore
This basilica is dedicated to saint Georgeswho was said to have saved a town from the clutches of a dragon that was terrorizing the population. In exchange for the population's conversion to the Christian faith, the young man promised to kill the vile beast, which he did with flying colors.
A first church in his honor was built on the island between the 8th and 9th centuriesconstruction of the present basilica began in 1566, under the direction of the architect de Padua Andrea Palladio.
The dome was completed in 1576, the choir in 1591 and the façade by architect Vincenzo Scamozzi in 1610, almost 30 years after the death of his master Palladio. The campanile (bell tower) that can be seen today was built only later, in 1791. It replaces the previous one, dating from 1467, which collapsed in 1774.
Highlights include the election of Pope Pius VIIin the basilica's conclave hall in 1800, for what remains the last conclave outside Rome!
What can you see in the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore?
This basilica contains superb works of artIt's an impressive piece of architecture, and an opportunity to take a relaxing, discovery-focused trip away from the historical center of Venice.
Works of art
In San Giorgio Maggiore, you can admire paintings by the greatest painters of the time. among the most famous in art historysuch that :
- Visit Virgin and Child with Saints by Sebastiano Ricci
- The Last Supper by Tintoretto
- The Hebrews in the desert by Tintoretto
- Tintoretto's Harvest of Manna
- L'Adoration of the shepherds by Jacopo Bassano
Enter Renaissance frames and statuesyou're in for a real treat!
Decorating the basilica
The interior of the Basilica offers an astonishing sense of grandeurThe building's architecture is quite unusual. It borrows from the classical architecture of the time, but Palladio wished to harmonize the whole with an innovative cupola and a centrally-placed choir.
Its façade is similar to that of a ancient templeThe church, with its 4 imposing columns and the statues of St. George and St. Stephen on either side. It rises to 3 storeys, which you can explore before discovering the Campanile and its marvellous view over Venice.
Le Campanile
This tower of 67 meters high is topped by a bronze statue of an angel, replacing the original wooden one which was struck by lightning at a wedding in 1993. The latter was restored and is now safe inside!
It is one of only two campaniles in Italy that can be visited - along with Campanile di San Marco - and I highly recommend that you climb it, as you'll have a great time. one of the finest views of Venice.
This is where some of the most beautiful photos of the Serenissima are taken!
How to reach the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore easily?
The Basilica stands on the island of San Giorgio Maggioreless than 2 km from the coast. Getting there is easy:
- Take the vaporetto - line 2 or N - from the S. Marco-San Zaccaria stop, just a few steps from Piazza San Marco. In just 10 minutes, you'll be on the island!
Good to know there is a Vaporetto Pass which allows you to save money and borrow unlimited vaporetti. Think about it!
San Giorgio Maggiore: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's what you need to know before visiting the Basilica and the charming island on which it sits.
Rates and booking
- The tour is free of charge.
- Entrance to Campanile, on the other hand, costs 6 euroswith a ticket that you can buy on site.
Opening hours
It's open:
- April to October: daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- November to March: daily 08:30 to 18:00
Practical information
Count on about 1 h 30 for a complete tour, taking time to visit the rooms (such as the conclave), marvel at the paintings and visit the Campanile.
I recommend a visit late afternoon. The light over the city of Venice makes for some absolutely sensational photos!
What to see and do in the area?
Before returning to the center of Venice by Vaporetto, you can take advantage of your visit to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore to visit :
- Visit Cini foundationwith its cloisters, superb labyrinthine garden and magnificent library
- The small nearby islands of San Servolo, La Grazia or San Clemente
- The island of Giudeccaa former holiday resort for wealthy Venetians, which is also located on the Venice lagoon
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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