The Renaissance Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore stands on a small island of the same name just south of the main part of Venice and is visible from afar, for example from St Mark's Square. Its tower is a more subtle copy of St Mark's bell tower and is often confused with it.

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Ancient-style basilica

The church itself was completed in 1566 by the architect Palladio, who styled it, especially its façade, in a historicizing ancient style. The interior of the basilica is decorated with the famous murals of the painter Tintoretto from 1596.

The most striking landmark, however, is the aforementioned 63-metre-high bell tower, which is a copy of the more famous and more than 30-metre-high bell tower on the opposite bank.

The view from the tower and the quay

San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the most popular viewpoints in the whole of Venice.

The views of St. Mark's Bell Tower and the Doge's Palace are beautiful from the promenade in front of the church, but even better from the tower top, where you can see the whole of Venice in the palm of your hand.

The tower can only be reached by lift. Expect queues of up to 30 minutes in the summer season.

Admission and opening hours

The Basilica and the tower are open daily from 7:00-18:00. Entrance to the main nave is free of charge, and you can pay to enter the tower 8 eur. Caution! Payment is cash only and there is no ATM on site.

Tickets cannot be booked online.

Location and transport

The front of the church is right next to the "San Giorgio" dock.

Only line number 2 stops here every 12 minutes and takes you to San Marco Square, Piazzale Roma, the train station or Tronchetto without changing trains.

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