Church of San Paolo

The Church of San Polo, located in the homonymous district of Venice, is a place of worship of extraordinary beauty and historical significance. Its origins date back to the 9th century, but its current appearance is the result of numerous renovations that took place over the centuries, with significant interventions between the 15th and 19th centuries. The church’s facade, characterized by a Gothic portal with two angels holding a cartouche and a large rose window attributed to the workshop of the Bon family, is a remarkable example of late Venetian Gothic architecture. The bell tower, dating back to 1362, is one of the few elements remaining from the original building.The interior of the church is surprisingly rich and varied, thanks to the neoclassical intervention of architect Davide Rossi in 1804. This restoration maintained the existing Gothic structure, enriching it with neoclassical elements. The Latin cross plan and the side chapels house a vast collection of artworks that testify to Venice’s artistic flourishing over the centuries.One of the most famous works preserved in the church is Tintoretto’s “The Last Supper,” located in the back chapel. This painting, executed between 1574 and 1575, is a masterpiece of Venetian Renaissance art, known for its dramatic composition and masterful use of light and shadow. Other notable works include “The Assumption and the Saints” attributed to the workshop of Veronese and “The Conversion of Saint Paul” by Jacopo Palma the Younger.A true gem of the church is the series of 14 Stations of the Cross painted by Giandomenico Tiepolo. These paintings, displayed along the side walls, offer a vivid and moving representation of the Passion of Christ, highlighting Tiepolo’s narrative talent and artistic sensitivity.The church’s ceiling, decorated with frescoes by Domenico Fossati, adds an additional layer of beauty and complexity to the interior. The depicted scenes celebrate the life of Saint Paul and other saints, creating an atmosphere of spirituality and devotion that pervades the entire building.The presbytery houses a splendid altarpiece by Giovanni Bellini, “The Virgin and Child,” reflecting the grace and elegance of the Venetian master’s style. Other paintings of notable importance include “Saint Paul Preaching in Ephesus” by Paolo Veronese and “Saint Paul in Meditation” by Palma the Younger.Campo San Polo, the square in front of the church, is one of the largest in Venice and has always played a central role in the city’s social and cultural life. In medieval times, the square was an important market and public events venue, including the celebrations of the Venice Carnival. Today, the square continues to be a meeting place and events venue, hosting concerts, outdoor film screenings during the Venice Film Festival, and other cultural events.The Church of San Polo is easily accessible from the Grand Canal, with the nearest vaporetto stop located at San Tomà. Its proximity to other important attractions, such as the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Basilica dei Frari, makes a visit to San Polo part of a rich and varied cultural itinerary.