The church of San Stae stands on the right bank of the Grand Canal, coming from Piazzale Roma towards Piazza San Marco, between Palazzo Vendramin Calergi and Ca d'Oro.
Its richly decorated exterior faces the Grand Canal.
You can't pass by her on the vaporetto without at least one admiring glance.
Today, I'd like to tell you more about this religious establishment.
San Stae: article summary
The church of San Stae: at a glance
The church is believed to have been built in 966 and dedicated to Sant Eustacchio (San Stae, in Venetian dialect). St. Eustatius was the commander of Trajan's army, who is said to have seen a crucifix between the antlers of a deer while hunting.
The first reference is found in a document from 1127, where the church is recalled as a subsidiary parish of San Pietro. The original church, rebuilt in the 12th century after a fire, was demolished in 1678.
The present church was built by Giovanni Grassi, who realigned it to face the Grand Canal. Today, it's one of the most beautiful churches to be found around this river artery in Venice. It welcomes many visitors every day to discover the history and architecture of the site.
Exceptional architecture
The facade, in the shape of a temple, with an imposing triangular pediment supported by columns resting on high plinths, has been built by Domenico Rossi in 1709. The exhibition features the work of seven sculptors, including :
- Giuseppe Torretto
- Antonio Tarsia
- Pietro Baratta
- Antonio Corradini.
The interior reveals a clear Andrea Palladio influence. The single nave is flanked on either side by three open chapels and, in the center of the church, the floor is occupied by a large tombstone that marks the entrance to the church. the burial place of doge Alvise Mocenigowho had paid for Rossi's facade.
Inside, there are works by the most famous Venetian Baroque artists of the early 18th century. These include paintings by Sebastiano Ricci, Giambattista Tiepolo, Giovanni Battista Pittoni and Giambattista Piazzetta.
How do I get to San Stae church?
The church has its own vaporetto station, just opposite San Stae, accessible with the vaporetto ACTV line 1.
What are the opening hours?
To visit this building, you must go to :
- Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Of course, the establishment is open all year round. However, the I'd advise you not to stay out too late.. Indeed, most Venice tourists are used to visiting the city in the afternoon. By arriving early in the morning or in the evening before closing time, you can enjoy the establishment without having to fight the crowds of visitors.
How much does admission cost?
To visit the church of San Stae, you'll need to pay an entrance fee of three euros. Of course, the church is also part of the Chorus Pass. Thanks to this pass, you can visit this and many other churches in Venice for a single fee. To find out more about this pass, read the article I wrote on the subject.
The Church of San Stae is an exceptional place that I strongly recommend you visit. By avoiding the crowds, you can enjoy the calm of the building while discovering the magnificent architectural works on display. It's therefore an exceptional place to put on your next visit to Venice.
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