Photos of Churches In Venice Spotted While Sightseeing
One of my favourite things to find when exploring cities is churches, and there are lots in Venice. There are 139 churches in the city, and many of them are free to enter or mooch around. I found loads of pretty church buildings while on sightseeing walks and was impressed by the ones I visited inside.
Some of my favourite free-to-enter churches in Venice were Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Pantalon and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. I really enjoyed photographing church buildings in Venice and seeing all the unique details. The most famous in the city is St Mark’s Basilica in the iconic Piazza San Marco.
Photos Of Churches in Venice
Some of the 139 churches in the city that I got to see while exploring Venice.
St Mark’s Basilica
One of the most iconic churches in the city is St Mark’s Basilica. This is in St Mark’s Square, a top attraction in Venice. It is free to look around the outside; however, tickets are needed to visit the inside.
The exterior decor, which is a blend of Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Classical elements. All of this adds up to a magnificent building, especially the domes and marble arches. Construction of the church started in 1063 and was consecrated in 1094. Since then, a lot has been added to make the building you see today.
Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo
When arriving by train, one of the first things you see on the other side of the canal is Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo. This was a might fine view after a long train journey across Italy to reach the city.
This is a neoclassical church that was built between 1718 and 1738. Highlights for me were the decorative façade and big green dome.
Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
Over the Grand Canal from St Mark’s Square is Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. We visited here before getting the ferry gondola across the water. This was free to enter and have a look around at the interior decor.
The Baroque church was built to react to a bad outbreak of plague, hence its name “Saint Mary of Health.” Construction started in 1631, and it was completed in 1687. Highlights for me were the domes from a distance, the statues on the outside, and the interior views of the dome.
Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Pantalon
The closest church to our dog-friendly accommodation in Dorsoduro was Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Pantalon. I really liked seeing the outside on sunset walks with Henry. The church has a history dating back to the 11th century; however, the current baroque building was constructed between 1668 and 1704.
We visited inside this one, and the dark art contrasting with the wite stone very much appealed. The church’s organ also piqued my interest.
Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
For early-morning walks, the area near Basilica S. Maria Gloriosa dei Frari was lovely, especially the views of the church over the small canal and Ponte dei Frari. Basilica S. Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is in the San Polo area of the city and is a 14th-century Gothic building. It’s nice to see from the outside.
Highlights outside for me were the façade, the Gothic doors, and the nice cafes beside the main building. You can also visit inside for a fee; highlights include 2 artworks by Titian and his tomb.
Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore
Looking across the water from the southern edge of the Dorsoduro district offered fantastic views of Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore. It is on Giudecca Island if you wanted to visit inside. The church dates from the 16th century in the Renaissance style.
Chiesa di San Tomà
An early dog-walk find by Henryh was Chiesa di San Tomà, which was in a pretty, quiet piazza. This church has a history dating back to the 10th century; however, it was not completed until 1742.
What piqued my interest beyond the quiet piazza was the marble façade on one side and brick on the other. The truncated bell tower was also nice to see.