Visiting the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore
Watching it from the shores of the San Marco district, it feels as though the building is floating on the waters of the Grand Canal. Occupying its own island, the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the most striking landmarks in Venice. It is elegant and imposing, positioned directly across from the Doge's Palace, which it seems to challenge with its 63-meter bell tower rising above the waves. As a masterpiece by the renowned architect Andrea Palladio, it stands as both a pinnacle of his work and a primary vantage point from which the Serenissima reveals its profound beauty.
An exceptional view over the lagoon
In the dizzying list of notable structures in Venice, the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore is far from an afterthought. How could a building designed by Palladio ever be? He was the creator of the palaces and villas of the Veneto, and in 1566 he designed this work, which was completed in 1610 by Vincenzo Scamozzi after the master passed away. Its facade resembles a temple with four columns and two pediments, showcasing the Palladian style in white marble and white stone from Istria. Its classicism provides a unique elegance. Together with the monastery, the basilica consumes the entire island, and its interior is opulent. In the Benedictine refectory, Veronese once painted the Wedding Feast at Cana. While the original was seized by Napoleon, a copy remains. The heart of the church is adorned with paintings by Tintoretto, most notably the Last Supper, and the altarpiece is the work of Vittore Carpaccio. The bell tower and its 63 m of red brick, topped by a spire that has turned a surprising shade of green over time, is a sight to behold. This third iteration of the tower dates to 1791. You can reach the top via an elevator, and the visit offers one of the best views of the city, which unfolds without obstruction from the Piazza San Marco all the way to its surrounding islands.
The basilica is a magnificent monument, along with its bell tower. These two buildings give an impression of grandeur. This feeling is reinforced by the fact that both monuments are located on a small island. After visiting the basilica, you can walk along the island and have lunch near the port. We spent an afternoon wandering around the island and getting lost in the little side streets. A must-do spot!