Best Things to do in San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice, Italy

San Giorgio Maggiore is a little island in Northeast Italy that is part of Venice and can be found to the south of San Marco and Castello and to the east of the island of Giudecca. The island, especially the Palladian chapel, is well-known and revered. Many artists have depicted it, including Monet in a sequence of paintings. Since 790, the island has been home to a church dedicated to St. George.

The top image result for “San Giorgio Maggiore attractions” The San Giorgio, a church on an island in the lagoon across from the Piazzetta and close to the tip of the Giudecca, was the first building Palladio oversaw from start to finish.

The San Marco Basin, the Canale di San Giorgio Maggiore, and the expansive lagoon form its borders. The most well-known buildings on the island are the Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore church and the Campanile di San Giorgio bell tower, which is right next to it.

Many tourists have claimed that the views from this tower on the islet are superior to those from the Campanile of San Marco. Compared to the bustling St. Mark’s Square, where all the major tourist attractions are located, this area is much more peaceful.

San Giorgio Maggiore Location Map

Best Things to do in San Giorgio Maggiore

Campanile Di San Giorgio Bell Tower – 63 metres

**Campanile di San Giorgio bell tower**, Picture credit Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore, which sits on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore and overlooks San Mark Square, is one of the most prominent structures in the Venetian skyline.

Although the first campanile (bell tower) was constructed in 1467, it collapsed in 1774. In 1726, it was redesigned by Scalfarotto, and in 1791, Fra Benadetto Buratti restored it in the same Neo-classical style as the nearby campanile in St. Mark’s Square.

From San Marco or the bank of the Schiavoni in Venice, you can see the sun go down or rise over the Campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore and the cathedral it tops, both designed by Andrea Palladio, bathing them in a yellow glow that turns orange and is worthy of the most exquisite Technicolor films.

We never get tired of the beauty of this bell tower; whether it is bathed in light or soaked in mist, it is there, present, omnipresent.

The marina, the open-air theater Teatro Verde, Labirinto Borges, and the auditorium Los Squero are just a few attractions on this tiny island. If you are interested in sailing or want to see if the Compagnia della Vela is teaching lessons to the public, you can do so by calling them. Many sightseers also enjoy visiting the lighthouse (Faro San Giorgio Maggiore). This small lighthouse stands at the San Giorgio Maggiore marina entrance and commands attention.

You can find the most up-to-date schedule and information about available tours at https://www.visitcini.com/orari-e-info/

San Giorgio Maggiore Church

The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore can be found at the island’s northernmost point. The earliest known church on this site was constructed in the eighth century. A mill and vineyards were once present on the island. A monastery was built there in later years. When a significant saint was laid to rest on the island, the doge and his wife began making annual pilgrimages to pay their respects.

Thousands of candles were lit and floated in the Bacino di San Marco to mark this momentous occasion for the Republic of Venice. Unfortunately, this happening disappeared along with the republic. Fire and earthquakes have caused damage to the church, but each time it has been rebuilt.

Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday – from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Sundays – 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Entrance to church and campanile – € 6

Fondazione Giorgio Cini

The Giorgio Cini Foundation, also known simply as the Cini Foundation, was started by Giorgio Cini on April 20, 1951, who passed away in August 1949.

Across the street in the adjacent monastery is where you’ll find the Giorgio Cini Foundation. A historical library has been established there and is also used for exhibitions, concerts, and meetings. The Borgus Labyrinth and the ten chapels dedicated to the Pope can be seen on guided tours of this monastery.

How to Visit San Giorgio Maggiore

You can take ACTV’s public transportation to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. We advise you to start by getting the official AVM Venezia app for your mobile device from the PlayStore. This is the official ACTV app. You can find the most efficient route to and from your hotel using the waterbuses (‘vaporetto’) and their precise schedules.

The Vaporetto line that stops at this island is Line 2, which also passes by St. Mark’s Square frequently. San Giorgio Maggiore requires either two separate one-way tickets or a single ACTV day ticket, both of which can be purchased online for €22. It is not possible to buy round-trip tickets on the island.

If all you do on your Vaporetto ticket for 75 minutes is only climb the bell tower, it may still be valid for the return trip. If this is the case, you won’t need to purchase a new ticket.

How do You Get From San Marco to San Giorgio Maggiore?

Taking the ferry on line 2 from Piazza San Marco to the San Giorgio Maggiore (church) will take 1 hour and 15 minutes, cost €2 and is the quickest way to get there.

This is the end of “Best Things to do in San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice.” San Giorgio Maggiore is only one spot from the best regions in Italy. If you plan an Italy trip, you can find our “Best region to visit and relax in Italy” post to manage and easily select spots to save time. The directory below will help guide you to find the right place and time. We wish you to happy travel and make the world with green tourism.