Church of San Giorgio Maggiore: all the info you need

Hey traveler! Are you ready to discover one of the most beautiful and least crowded gems of Venice? The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is not just a postcard perfect, but an unforgettable experience that will make you fall in love with the city even more.

Elegance, history, breathtaking views: that’s what you get. Keep reading to find out more!

So, welcome to this new post by Venice Insider Guide. In this post we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy.

Where is the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore? Venice, Italy

The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is located on the island of the same name, Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore, right in front of St. Mark’s Square. That’s the iconic silhouette you’ve probably already seen in hundreds of photos, with its majestic bell tower against the Venetian sky. To get there, it’s just a short vaporetto ride: we’ll talk about that later.

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore: description

Inside

As you enter the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, be prepared to be speechless. The church, designed by the great Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, is a masterpiece of proportions and light. Its clean lines and spaciousness will give you a sense of surreal peace.

Don’t miss:

The artworks: Among the wonders of the church, the Tintoretto’s cycle is the most striking, including The Last Supper and The Gathering of the Manna. These paintings are not only beautiful but full of symbolism and details to look out for close up.
The main altar: Simple and solemn, it frames the entire architectural beauty of the building.
The historic organ: For music lovers, knowing that this church has a 17th century organ might be the icing on the cake.

Outside

Now let’s go outside. Elegant, harmonious, a Palladian classic. The white marble facade catches the sunlight in a spectacular way, offering a changing view depending on the time of day.

Tip for the perfect photo: If you want to take a memorable photo, wait for sunset: the colors of the sky reflected on the water and the church facade will create a unique scene.

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore: A Venetian gem

On a small island in the Venetian lagoon, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is a jewel of architecture and history. Famous for its white facade, this Palladian masterpiece towers over the Bacino di San Marco, opposite the splendor of St. Mark’s Square and the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica. The church is a typical Italian church, and Palladio’s masterpiece, with its giant order columns and wide pediment that frame the beautiful nave.

Palladio’s design

The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore was commissioned by the Benedictine Order, with the foundation stone laid in the same year Palladio arrived in Venice. The design is Palladio’s solution superimposed on a traditional basilica, with two facades that combine classical proportions with innovation. The white marble shines under the Venetian sun, against the blue of the lagoon. Inside, the interior is a perfect balance of light and space, with the high altar and choir a focal point for the visitor.

Works of art

The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore has many artistic treasures, including Jacopo Tintoretto’s Last Supper, which reimagines the biblical scene with dramatic light and shadow, and The Raccolta della Manna, also by Tintoretto, with vivid detail. Along with works by Leandro Bassano, Jacopo Bassano and Domenico Tintoretto, the church is a museum of Venetian Renaissance art.

A tall order

The bell tower, built after Palladio’s time, offers stunning views of San Marco, the Grand Canal and the city. Standing on the island, it’s the symbol of the church’s presence in northern Italy, where history, art and faith meet. Guided by saints and inspired by Palladio, the Saint George motif throughout the building is a dedication to Saint Stephen and Saint George.

Find peace and beauty

You can visit the monastery, walk the quiet paths where the Benedictine monks used to walk or take guided tours to discover more about the Morosini family and the centuries of changes. From the Madonna Enthroned to the altar, every corner of the new church has a story to tell. Whether you go on a Saturday or a Monday, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is a must see for those in Venice.

Climb the Campanile San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice Italy

And now, the real treat. Are you ready to conquer one of the best views of Venice? The Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the island's must sees. Not only does it offer a view of the whole city, but it is also less crowded than St. Mark's bell tower.

What to do:

Take the elevator: Yes, you read that right. You won't have to struggle with endless stairs; a convenient elevator will take you to the top.
Enjoy the view: From here you can see everything from the domes of St. Mark's to the Venetian lagoon. It's an experience worth every euro of the ticket.

How to get to San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice?

The church is very close. Just take a vaporetto from the San Zaccaria stop, right in front of St. Mark's Square. Line 2 vaporettos will take you to the island in just a few minutes. You have no excuse: your next destination is at your fingertips!

San Giorgio Maggiore Church: info

Don't stop at just the church. The island of San Giorgio Maggiore has much more to offer. Here are some interesting facts and useful information to enrich your visit.

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore Venice hours

Opening hours

The church is open every day from 9:30 to 18:30. Check for any changes during holidays.

Mass times

Mass is celebrated on Sunday morning and special occasions. It’s the perfect time to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the church.

Entrance to the Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice

The entrance to the campanile is symbolic, around 6-8 euros, but the view is worth every cent.

How tall is the Campanile di San Giorgio?

The Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore is about 75 meters high, one of the best views in Venice. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an athlete to climb: as I said, there’s an elevator for you!

Refettorio San Giorgio Maggiore Venice Italy

Another gem of the island is the Refettorio di San Giorgio Maggiore, located inside the Benedictine monastery. Here once was the famous Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese, now at the Louvre. Even without this masterpiece, the refettorio is a place of great historical and artistic charm.

Church of San Giorgio Venice works

The Church of San Giorgio is an art treasure trove. Besides Tintoretto, you’ll find works by other Venetian Renaissance masters inside. Every corner has a surprise: don’t forget to look up to see the architectural and decorative details.

Monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore Venice

You can’t leave the island without taking a look at the Benedictine monastery, still active. Walking around you’ll feel the peace and quiet that is so different from Venice.

Why visit the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice Italy?

Iconic location: One of the symbols of Venice, but without the crowds of tourists.
Art and architecture: An open-air lesson on Venetian Renaissance.
Breathtaking views: The campanile is an experience you’ll never forget.
A peaceful oasis: Perfect for those looking for a moment of calm in the city chaos.

So, dear traveler, San Giorgio Maggiore is waiting for you with its timeless beauty. Get ready to live an authentic and unforgettable experience, among art, history and landscapes that seem to come from a dream.

Have a good trip and...don't forget your camera!