San Giorgio Maggiore

San Giorgio Maggiore featuring heritage architecture
Church of San Giorgio Maggiore showing a ferry, religious elements and boating
Church of San Giorgio Maggiore featuring religious elements, a bay or harbour and heritage architecture
San Giorgio Maggiore
Church of San Giorgio Maggiore showing night scenes, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral


Rising from the Grand Canal is an island boasting a famous church and monastery, and a bell tower that delivers dizzying views across the city.

As you cross the rushing water of the Grand Canal the mighty San Giorgio Maggiore will begin to rise before you. On this Venetian island stands a huge church, with gardens behind it and a small marina to its side. All visitors to Venice can look across the water and see the church’s façade in the distance, but take the time to visit for a truly unique experience.

The San Giorgio Monastery and the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore were established over a thousand years ago and remain active today. Explore the serene interior of the church, which was designed in the 16th century by the great Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. The rooms of the basilica and monastery are full of history and fine artworks, such as Adoration of the Shepherds by Jacopo Bassano and Tintoretto’s final painting, Deposition. Visit the monastery library to browse a historic collection of books.

Look for the enormous Campanile (bell tower) that reaches up towards the sky behind the huge dome of the basilica. The bell tower matches the one in the St. Mark’s Square in the city center and is just as spectacular but with fewer queues. Climb the tower to find a breathtaking view. Enjoy the 360-degree views of Venice, the Adriatic Sea and, when clouds are few, even a view of the Alps. The tower features an elevator for those unable to make the strenuous climb to its top.

Fanning out from the central basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore are the buildings of the monastery. Stay a night in one of the monastery’s guest rooms for a truly Venetian experience. Enjoy some peace and quiet after the last day visitors leave the monastery as you get in touch with the island’s unique traditions. The Benedictine monks here have been welcoming visitors since the 10th century.

Attend a performance at the amphitheater known as Teatro Verde (Green Theater) for a complete experience of San Giorgio Maggiore.

Get to the island by crossing the water on a small ferry called a “vaporetto,” or a water taxi.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hotel Rialto
Hotel Rialto
4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
Hotel Rialto
Hotel Montecarlo
Hotel Montecarlo
3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
Hotel Montecarlo
Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
3.5 out of 5
San Marco 2494, Campo Santa Maria Del Giglio, Venice, VE
Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
Baglioni Hotel Luna - The Leading Hotels of the World
Baglioni Hotel Luna - The Leading Hotels of the World
5 out of 5
San Marco, 1243, Venice, VE
Baglioni Hotel Luna - The Leading Hotels of the World
Hotel Bisanzio
Hotel Bisanzio
4 out of 5
Riva degli Schiavoni, Calle della Pieta, 3651, Venice, VE
Hotel Bisanzio
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
4 out of 5
Piazza San Marco 1107, Calle del Cavalletto, Venice, VE
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Hotel Bella Venezia
Hotel Bella Venezia
4 out of 5
San Marco 4710 - Calle Dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
Hotel Bella Venezia
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
4 out of 5
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
Rosa Salva Hotel
Rosa Salva Hotel
3.5 out of 5
San Marco 951, Calle Fiubera, Venice
Rosa Salva Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.