Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

Welcome to the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, a serene sanctuary positioned across the water from the bustling heart of Venice. You are standing before one of the most significant works of Andrea Palladio, the architect who…

Stand back and look up at the facade of the basilica. Palladio faced a significant challenge here: how to apply a classical temple front to the multi-level shape of a Christian church. …

Step inside and allow your eyes to adjust to the luminous interior. Unlike the dark, gold-leafed mystery of San Marco, Palladio’s interior is bright, airy, and uncluttered. …

Approach the sanctuary, where you will find two of Tintoretto’s final masterpieces: 'The Last Supper' and 'The Fall of Manna'. These paintings are a dramatic contrast to the orderly architecture of the church. …

The high altar is a masterpiece of sculpture and metalwork, centered around a bronze group by Girolamo Campagna depicting the four Evangelists supporting a globe with Christ on top. This symbolizes the global reach of the…

No visit to San Giorgio Maggiore is complete without a trip to the top of the campanile, or bell tower. Unlike the more famous tower across the water, this one is accessible by a modern elevator, making the ascent much easier. …

As you descend from the tower and walk back toward the water bus, take a moment to look back at the white facade one last time. San Giorgio Maggiore is a place of profound balance—a bridge between the land and the lagoon, between…