San Giorgio Maggiore is a small island jewel of the Venetian Lagoon, located directly opposite St Mark`s Square. Its main value lies in the fact that just a few minutes on a vaporetto take you away from the crowds and reward you with one of the best panoramic views of Venice. If you are tired of the streams of people on St Mark`s Square, this is the perfect escape.
Where San Giorgio Maggiore Island Is Located
The island lies in the waters of the lagoon, directly opposite St Mark`s Square. From the San Zaccaria stop (on the eastern side of St Mark`s Square), take a No. 2 vaporetto, and within 3–5 minutes you arrive at the San Giorgio stop. Boats run frequently, and the standard Venice public transport ticket is valid — you do not need to buy anything extra.
What to See on San Giorgio Maggiore Island
Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore
This church was built to a design by the great Renaissance master Andrea Palladio. Its white marble façade gleams in the sun. Entry to the church is free. Inside, look out for two huge works by Tintoretto: The Last Supper and The Gathering of Manna. The interior is quiet and bright, in striking contrast to the gloomy splendour of St Mark`s Basilica.
Climbing the Campanile: one of the best viewpoints in Venice
This is the main reason to come to San Giorgio Maggiore. Compared with the campanile on St Mark`s Square, there are far fewer people and almost no queues, and a lift takes you to the top.
Ticket: around €6–8 (check on site).
View: from the top you get a 360-degree panorama. You will see St Mark`s Square, the Doge`s Palace, the domes of St Mark`s Basilica, the entrance to the Grand Canal, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and the distant expanse of the lagoon. Because you are looking at the main island across the water, you can take photos without railings — the angle is cleaner than from the St Mark`s campanile.
Tip: if you want to photograph St Mark`s Square in good light, come in the morning; if you love a golden sunset, come closer to evening.
The Monastery and Refectory (Chiostro e Refettorio)
Next to the church is a former Benedictine monastery. It now houses the Cini Foundation, and part of the premises is open to visitors as part of exhibitions. Of particular interest is the refectory, for which Veronese painted the famous Wedding at Cana (the painting itself is now in the Louvre, but a full-size copy is displayed in the refectory — it helps you imagine what the room looked like).
A Walk Along the Waterfront and Gardens
San Giorgio Maggiore is small, but it is pleasant simply to stroll around it. Along the water there are views of the lagoon and yachts at anchor. Deeper into the island there are quiet gardens where you can rest in the shade. Artists and photographers especially love this place for its calm and its light.
Practical Tips
• Time needed: 1.5–2 hours is enough to visit the church at a relaxed pace, climb the campanile and take a walk.
• Best time: early morning (before 10:00) or closer to evening (after 16:00) — fewer people and softer light.
• Don`t miss: if time allows, look into the monastery courtyard — it is quiet and almost free of tourists.
San Giorgio Maggiore is a rare combination of great architecture, tranquillity and the best panorama of Venice. If you have a spare hour, be sure to cross over by vaporetto: the view from the campanile is worth stepping off the tourist trail for.
