There are more or less as many as 100 Churches in Venice, all absolutely beautiful! The architecture, the style and the decoration of both the interiors and the exteriors are breathtaking. It all shows the strong religious faith of the Venetians. It should be noticed that visits to any Church must be done only during permitted hours and with the highest sense of respect; never during Mass or religious functions, where it will be open only to worshippers.
CHIESA E CAMPANILE DI SAN GIORGIO MAGGIORE
Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore
Tel. +39-375-632-3595
This beautiful Church is located on the island exactly opposite the basin of St. Mark; it provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the heart of Venice from its Campanile. Designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio, this is an important Benedictine Church, which displays masterpieces by Tintoretto, Carpaccio, Jacopo da Bassano and Sebastiano Ricci.
BASILICA DELLA SALUTE
Salute
Located at the start of the Grand Canal, this stunningly beautiful Basilica is a monument that Venetians built and consecrated in 1687 dedicated to the Virgin Mary for her intercession to save Venice from the plague. Salute, of course, means health. Designed by Baldassarre Longhena, the Basilica has six wonderful side Altars and the main central Altar, featuring a marble masterpiece with the Blessed Virgin in the centre, a beautiful lady on the left, impersonating Venice on her knees as a sign of gratitude to the Virgin Mary, and an ugly old hag on the right, impersonating the plague, thrown away by the Angels.
BASILICA DEI FRARI
Frari
Tel. +39-041-272-8618
This impressive Basilica is one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture between 14th and 15th century. The central nave still maintains its unique original old friars’ choir stalls. Masterpieces such as the Madonna di Casa Pesaro and L’Assunta by Tiziano, as well as Bellini’s La Vergine col bimbo are a must see; not to mention the great monuments dedicated to Tiziano and Canova and the masterpieces by Donatello.
BASILICA DEI SANTI GIOVANNI E PAOLO
Tel. +39-041-523-5913
This incredibly dominant Basilica is very similar in style to the Frari. As many as 25 Doges of the Serenissima are buried here. The unique feeling of grandness and importance is present outside as well as inside, where the magnificent interiors are in the form of a Latin cross. Lombardo’s monument to Doge Pietro Mocenigo is one of the many masterpieces.
CHIESA DI SAN SEBASTIANO
San Sebastiano
Tel. +39-041-275-0462
Chiesa di San Sebastiano
Near San Basilio and at a short walking distance from Ca’ Rezzonico, this beautiful Church is the resting place of the great Paolo Callieri called the Veronese. The Church is full of his masterpieces and a visit to it is essential, as it will also provide a full insight into the real Venice.
CHIESA DEI CARMINI
Carmini
Tel. +39-041-520-5921
Located nearby San Sebastiano, this wonderful Church completely deserves full attention, as it is a mixture of Gothic and Baroque styles. It is full of the most incredible paintings and decorations.
CHIESA DEI GESUATI
Tel. +39-041-520-5921
Located in the centre of the Zattere, the fantastic Palladian style façade of this Church is perfectly matched by its fabulous interior, in particular magnificent frescos by Tiepolo such as The Glory of St. Dominic and The Institution of the Rosary.
CHIESA DI SAN TROVASO
Tel. +39-041-522-2133
A few steps away from the Accademia, this lovely Palladian Church was dedicated to Saints Gervasio and Protasio, whose names were combined and shortened to San Trovaso; it is characterized by two identical façades.
CHIESA DI SANTO STEFANO
Tel. +39-041-275-0462
In the heart of Venice, this is a magnificent example of Venetian Gothic art. A splendid marble portal attributed to Bartolomeo Bon is part of the 14th century façade; the interior displays a beautiful presbytery with wooden choir stalls. On display there are masterpieces such as La Lavanda dei Piedi and Cristo nell’Orto by Jacopo Tintoretto and Paris Bordone’s Il Battesimo di Cristo.
CHIESA DELLA MADONNA DELL’ORTO
Tel. +39-041-719-933
This stunningly beautiful Church is where the great Jacopo Tintoretto is buried and it contains most of his incredible works! The style of the Church is Venetian Gothic, with a lovely façade. Works by Palma il Giovane are also on display; a must see!
SAN PIETRO DI CASTELLO
Tel. +39-041-275-0462
Located fairly close to the Historic Naval Museum, this is a very important Church, as it was Venice’s Cathedral until 1807; on display masterpieces by Pietro Liberi and Zuccato.