The Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paoloknown in the Venetian dialect as San Zanipolo, is the largest church in Venice.
The church is located on its namesake square in the district of Castello.
Today, I'd like to tell you more about this religious establishment.
Santi Giovanni e Paolo: article summary
Santi Giovanni e Paolo: at a glance
According to legend, the origins of the basilica are linked to a vision of Doge Jacopo Tiepolo, who in 1234 donated land to the Dominican friars, on which the structure would be built. The church was immediately erected, and dedicated to the 4th-century Roman martyrs John and Paul.
The basilica was enlarged in the 14th century by two Dominican friars, Benvenuto of Bologna and Nicolò of Imola. The structure was completed in 1368, but not solemnly consecrated until November 14, 1430.
In 1807, during the Napoleonic era, the Dominicans were expelled from their convent, which had been turned into a hospital, and were forced to leave. the church is deprived of many works of art.
Classical architecture preserved
The church's prominent Gothic façade features a large central rose window and two smaller side windows. The lower order of the façade is characterized by six niches, housing sepulchres, and the large portal, decorated with six marble columns, by sculptor Bartolomeo Bon.
The central part of the façade, crowned by three elaborate temple spires, houses statues of three great Dominican saints: Saint Dominic in the center, Saint Peter Martyr on the left and Saint Thomas Aquinas on the right.
The church has a Latin cross plan, with a transept and three naves divided by huge cylindrical columns. The church's dimensions are impressive: 101.60 meters long, 45.80 meters wide in the transept and 32.20 meters high.
On the walls, numerous monuments are to be found in the naves, and the chapels open on the right. In the transept, there are two chapels on either side, flanking the presbytery. But all this architecture would be nothing without the new works of art adorning the walls.
Santi Giovanni e Paolo: a veritable little museum
It's considered Venice's pantheon, thanks to the large number of Venetian doges and other important figures buried here since the 13th century. At least 150 tombstones and 37 monumental tombs can be found inside, 25 of which are dedicated to Venetian doges.
The most important monuments are those of the doges MocenigoThere is also the one dedicated to Doge Michele Morosini, located in the presbytery, and the one dedicated to Doge Jacopo Tiepolo, founder of the church.
Among the church's most important works of art are Giovanni Bellini's marvellous polyptych of Saint Vincenzo Ferrer, the Byzantine icon of Madonna della Pace and the pictorial cycle in the chapel of the Madonna del Rosario, by Paolo Veronese.
How do I get there?
Santi Giovanni e Paolo Basilica is about 2 km from Santa Lucia station. The bus stop vaporetto nearest is Ospedale.
What are the opening hours?
You can visit the plant :
- Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday from 12 am to 6 pm
How much does it cost to get in?
To visit Santi Giovanni e Paolo, you will need :
- 3,50 € per adult
- 1,50 € reduced rate for students
When visiting Venice, it's essential to stop off at Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Here you'll discover one of the world's largest churches and appreciate the details hidden inside.
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