San Giorgio Maggiore
Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore
Palladio's white church, which faces St Mark's Square across the water. Its bell tower offers the most classic panorama of Venice.
The church on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore was designed by Palladio, with construction beginning in 1566. Its pristine white classical façade, reflected in the water, is the iconic view from across St Mark's Square. Inside is Tintoretto's late masterpiece, The Last Supper. An elevator takes visitors up the bell tower (about €8), where they can see St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the lagoon in full panorama, with far fewer people than at the St Mark's Campanile. From San Zaccaria, take Vaporetto Line 2 for one stop.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–18:00 (closes earlier in winter; clock tower paused during Mass)
Nearby sights
- Doge's Palace
- Bridge of Sighs
- St. Mark's Square & Basilica
- St Mark's Campanile
- St Mark's Clocktower
- Punta della Dogana
- Museo Correr
- Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute