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Santi Giovanni e Paolo : The main altar
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Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo)

The largest church in Venice, serving as the final resting place for 25 Doges.

Featured in Without Crowds

Standard admission is €3.50.

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.

Tribute to Doge Mocenigo

On the counterfacade, you'll find the monumental tomb sculpted by Pietro Lombardo and his two sons. Featuring 15 life-size marble figures, it commemorates Pietro Mocenigo primarily as a great captain of the Venetian armed forces.

Stained glass

The Gothic polychrome Murano glass in the south transept is unparalleled in Venice.

Santi Giovanni e Paolo : Pope Honorius III confirms the Order of Preachers - as it can be seen in the sacristy

Open Gallery for more insights

Your experience here

It's ok to feel small inside this Gothic giant. The upside is that there's so much to explore in what feels like an endless space. Admire masterpieces by Bellini, Lorenzetti, Lombardo and Veronese.

Open Gallery to get the feel

Connect the dots

Gothic competition

Visit the other gothic giant that emerged from the architectural competition between the Dominican and Franciscan orders.

Moved art

Veronese's famous 'Feast in the House of Levi', painted for the refectory, is now in the Gallerie dell'Accademia.

In common

Paolo Veronese

He found sanctuary at San Sebastiano after fleeing murder charges.

Without refuge, he might not have had the chance to create the masterpieces we're able to admire today.

Pietro Lombardo

He was also the architect and chief sculptor for Santa Maria dei Miracoli often called a 'renaissance jewelry box'.

What to see nearby

These top spots are just a short walk from Santi Giovanni e Paolo:

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