Breathtaking views and a beautiful setting make this historic harbourside church one of Venice’s most popular photo opportunities.
Lying alongside the picturesque harbour on an island in St Mark’s Basin, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is a fine example of the classical Renaissance design of Andrea Palladio and is well worth the short vaporetto (water bus) trip from central Venice. From the campanile (bell tower) you can experience a stunning 360-degree panorama of the cityscape, with impressive views of St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in the foreground.The building, which dates from 1610, features a striking two-tiered façade of fine marble, while the lofty proportions of the white and terracotta interior, with its high arches and windows inspired by the design of Roman bathhouses, allows the light to flood in and lends a feeling of spaciousness and grandeur. The walls of the nave and the chapels are hung with celebrated artworks, including Jacopo Bassano’s Adoration of the Shepherds and Tintoretto’s The Last Supper and Shower of Manna from Heaven.However, perhaps the church’s most popular feature is its bell tower, which can be reached by lift. Be sure to remember your camera to capture unique bird’s-eye views of Venice spread out at your feet. Then pop by the photogenic harbour to frame a few more memorable shots before heading for home.Line 2 of the vaporetto leaves from the San Zaccaria dock, close to St Mark’s Square, and the journey across the bay takes just a few minutes. San Giorgio Maggiore is open every day and visitors are welcome to attend Sunday mass. Admission to the church is free but there is a charge for taking the lift to the top of the bell tower – a small price to pay for some of the finest views in Venice.
