Venice – San Polo

<< Venice

San Polo is the smallest sestriere of Venice. It is located in the center of the city and it was settled in the Early Middle Ages, making it one of the oldest areas in Venice. Among various notable attractions, it is famous for its markets and the high number of traditional bars and restaurants.

✪ Rialto Bridge

The most famous of the many bridges of Venice is the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), that connects the sestrieri of San Polo and San Marco crossing the Grand Canal. It is also the oldest one of the bridges that span the city’s main waterway, with an history dating back to the 13th century. The current Rialto Bridge was erected between 1588 and 1591 and it is now one of the most recognizable landmarks in Venice.

✪ Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Also known as: I Frari

The Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, more commonly known just as I Frari, is one of the largest and most important churches in Venice. Built between 1250 and 1338, it is among the most remarkable pieces of Gothic architecture in the city. I Frari hosts a large amount of works of art, such as the incredible Assumption of the Virgin (Assunta) altarpiece by Titian, and the equally notable Pesaro Madonna (Pala Pesaro), both of which are among his most impressive works. Many funerary monuments are also located inside the church, the most notable of which is the large monument dedicated to Antonio Canova. Among the many other personalities buried here are various doges, Titian, and composer Claudio Monteverdi.

✪ Scuola Grande di San Rocco

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a Renaissance confraternity building erected during the 16th century and located next to the Church of San Rocco. The halls of the building are richly decorated and have been adorned by Tintoretto with numerous impressive paintings which stand among his best works. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco also hosts works by other artists and a rich treasury with objects from different centuries and countries.

Church of San Rocco

The Church of San Rocco stands just outside the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Originally built between 1489 and 1508, the current facade dates from the 18th century and it’s adorned with statues and decorations. The rich interiors feature numerous artworks, such as painting by Tintoretto.

Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista

The Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista is a confraternity building located next to the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista. This Scuola Grande has many richly decorated halls and hosts a number of impressive artworks by various Renaissance artists as well as a reliquary with relics of the True Cross.

Church of San Giacomo di Rialto

The Church of San Giacomo di Rialto is located next to the Rialto Bridge and it claims to be the oldest church in Venice. According to tradition, it was consecrated in 421, at the time of the founding of the city. Although it was likely built later than that, it is still a remarkable and peculiar church, featuring a facade with a portico, a bell-gable and a large clock.

Rialto Market

The historic marketplace of Venice, located in the neighbourhood of Rialto, has been for centuries one of the busiest parts of the city. The market used to occupy a large area and it was divided into different sectors according to what products were sold there. Now it is still active and mostly known for its lively fish market.

Church of San Polo

The Church of San Polo is a 15th-century Gothic church erected over a previous medieval building. It gives the name to the entire sestriere and to Campo San Polo, one of the largest squares in Venice. Various artworks are hosted in the church, most notably in the small oratory that houses the series of paintings of the Via Crucis by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, son of the more famous Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

House of Carlo Goldoni

Carlo Goldoni was an 18th-century playwright considered among the most influential ones of its time. One of his residences in Venice, his hometown, has now been turned into a museum that hosts exhibitions on his life and works, as well as showcasing the history of Venetian theater.