Sestiere San Polo
Chiesa di San Paolo (Polo)
Church of San Paolo
Gothic church housing a series of evocative crucifixion scenes painted in an unconventional style.
S. Tomà or S. Silvestro
chorusvenezia.org
While entrance to the church is free, access to the Oratory costs €3.50.
Additional resources
What makes it special
Oratory of the Crucifix
Inside, the 14 Stations of the Cross cycle recounts the Crucifixion, by blending 18th-century Venetians dressed in contemporary attire into the biblical scenes. Elegantly adorned ladies, turbaned Turks and even smirking children all observe Christ’s torment as He carries the cross. The cycle culminates in His triumphant leap from the tomb in the ceiling panel.
Son and father
Giandomenico Tiepolo painted this unconventional cycle in his early 20s, while his more established father, Giambattista Tiepolo, also created for the church: 'The Virgin Appears to St. John of Nepomuk'.
Gothic south gate
This striking portal features intricate details sculpted from white marble by the Bon workshop, the same artisans who crafted Porta della Carta at Palazzo Ducale.
Other notable works
Veronese: 'Marriage of the Virgin' and Tintoretto: 'The Last Supper'.

Your experience here
After a peaceful break in the nearby square, curiosity may lead you inside to experience this unique take on a biblical scene.
Don't miss
Second largest square
Next to the church is Campo di San Polo, the second-largest square in Venice after Piazza San Marco.
Surrounded by historic buildings, it's typically peaceful, with few crowds, except during the Carnival and Venice Film Festival.
In winter, an ice skating rink adds to its charm.
What to see nearby
These top spots are just a short walk from Chiesa di San Paolo:

tops 5 mins
Casa di Carlo Goldoni
tops 5 mins
Basilica dei Frari
tops 5 mins
Venice Vintage Toys
tops 5 mins
Canal Grande
5-10 min away
Palazzo Fortuny
5-10 min away
Da Vinci Interactive Museum
5-10 min away
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