Sestiere Castello
Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo)
The largest church in Venice, serving as the final resting place for 25 Doges.
Ospedale (9-min walk)
www.santigiovanniepaolo.it
+39 041 523 5913
Standard admission is €3.50.
Additional resources
What makes it special
The Pantheon of Venice
The basilica earned this title as several Doges and prominent figures, who influenced the history of the Venetian Republic from the 13th to the 18th century, are buried here beneath grand tombs.
A massive interior
The impressively spacious and luminous interior features a 33-meter (108-foot) high nave supported by massive columns.
A Tribute to Doge Mocenigo
On the counterfacade stands the grand tomb of Pietro Mocenigo, sculpted by Pietro Lombardo and his sons. Adorned with 15 life-size marble figures, it honors Mocenigo’s legacy as a military leader.
Unmatched Stained Glass
The Gothic polychrome Murano glass in the south transept is considered the finest of its kind in Venice.
Your experience here
- It’s natural to feel small inside this vast edifice supported by soaring columns.
- But that only means there’s plenty to discover in this serene, crowd-free space.
- From intricate marble altars and vibrant frescoes to majestic cupolas, stained glass windows, patterned floors, and grand tombs — every corner tells a story.
- Admire masterpieces by Bellini, Lorenzetti, Lombardo and Veronese.
Connect the dots
Gothic competition
Visit Venice’s other Gothic giant, born from the architectural rivalry between the Dominican and Franciscan orders.
Following Veronese
After fleeing alleged murder charges, Paolo Veronese found sanctuary at church San Sebastiano.
He went on to dedicate the next 30 years of his life to adorning the church with breathtaking art until his death.
Without this refuge, we might never have witnessed the masterpieces he left behind.
Also by Pietro Lombardo
He was also the architect and chief sculptor of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, a beautiful small church often called a "Renaissance jewelry box" for its exquisite polychrome marble.
According to legend, the marbles were creatively repurposed from leftover materials from the construction of Basilica di San Marco.
What to see nearby
These top spots are just a short walk from Santi Giovanni e Paolo:
super close
Scuola di San Marco
tops 5 mins
Libreria Acqua Alta
tops 5 mins
Santa Maria dei Miracoli
tops 5 mins
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
tops 5 mins
Palazzo Grimani
5-10 min away
Fondaco dei Tedeschi
5-10 min away
Rialto BridgeMore like this
More peaceful alternatives to Venice’s busy hotspots:
