San Giorgio Maggiore

Overview

San Giorgio Maggiore is a 16th-century Benedictine church designed by Andrea Palladio on a small island directly across from St. Mark's Square. Its bell tower offers arguably the finest panoramic view in Venice.

Highlights

• Campanile Views: The elevator-accessed bell tower provides sweeping views of the Doge's Palace, the Campanile, and the entire lagoon — without the crowds of the San Marco tower.
• Tintoretto's Last Supper: A dramatic, candlelit masterpiece hanging in the chancel, painted in the artist's final years.
• The Cloister: The serene Palladian cloister with a centuries-old garden, accessible through the monastery.

History

Palladio designed the church in 1565, blending classical temple forms with the needs of a monastic church. The island was the site of a monastery since the 10th century. Napoleon suppressed the monastery and used the island as a military base.

Visitor Tips

• Sunset From the Tower: Time your visit for late afternoon — the sunset views looking west toward Venice are extraordinary.
• Vaporetto Line 2: Take the short 5-minute ride from San Zaccaria.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.