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Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore
The Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore is a prominent landmark of Venice, situated on the island of the same name across from St. Mark's Square. Designed in 1566 by the renowned architect Andrea Palladio, the church was completed in 1610, several decades after his death. The brilliant white facade, made of Istrian stone, combines the elements of an ancient temple with a Christian basilica, serving as a prime example of Palladian architecture. Inside, the church is characterized by its brightness and clear geometric forms, providing a stark contrast to the ornate Gothic style of the Doge's Palace. The basilica houses significant artworks, most notably Jacopo Tintoretto's 'The Last Supper' and 'The Fall of Manna.' The bell tower features one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Venice and the surrounding lagoon. The adjacent Benedictine monastery is now the headquarters of the Cini Foundation, dedicated to promoting art and culture. As a key feature of the Venetian skyline, the basilica's silhouette has defined the city's visual identity for centuries.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore · Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore · Le Stanze della Fotografia
- Nearby: Punta Sabbioni (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 6 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 73 | 71 | 71 | 93 | 72 | 66 | 80 | 95 | 87 | 105 | 77 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The foundation stone was laid in 1566 in the presence of the Doge of Venice.
- The facade was completed by Vincenzo Scamozzi between 1597 and 1610, following Palladio's plans.
- In 1800, the basilica hosted the papal conclave that elected Pope Pius VII.
- The current bell tower was built in 1791, after the previous one collapsed in 1774.
- Tintoretto's 'Last Supper' is a massive oil on canvas, one of his final masterpieces.
- The Benedictine monastery on the island was originally established in the year 982.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore (10)
Le Zitelle
Church in Venice, part of a former orphanage complex.
Punta della Dogana
Viewpoint at the tip of Dorsoduro, overlooking the San Marco basin.
Ponte della Paglia
Bridge in Venice, famous for the view of the Bridge of Sighs.
Column of Saint Mark
Monumental column on the Piazzetta in Venice, topped by the Lion of Saint Mark.
Column of Saint Theodore
Column on the Piazzetta in Venice, with a statue of Saint Theodore.
Ponte Compagnia della Vela
Bridge in Venice over a canal on the island of San Giorgio.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the San Giorgio Maggiore Basilica?
Is there a viewpoint on the island?
Which artworks by Tintoretto are located here?
Who is the architect of the church?
Do you have to pay to enter the church?
Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore: where is it located?
Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore: what is there to see?
Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore: when is the best time to visit?
Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
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