San giorgio maggiore at dusk full#

Around 1565, work began on a new church by the great Vicenzan architect, Andrea Palladio (1508-80) featuring a majestic four-columned portico. The monastery was rebuilt in 1443, being replaced in 1541 to a design by Baldassare Longhena. The original church was founded in 790, followed by an adjoining Benedictine monastery in 982 but both were unfortunately both destroyed by an earthquake in 1223. Left: Floor plan, showing Latin Cross construction. Its fine Palladian church of San Giorgio Maggiore with magnificent white marble facade and campanile provides one of the great views of Venice’s skyline. His legacy continues with new projects and programs the latest example being the recent opening of a music theatre with a fine view over the lagoon. In honour of his son Giorgio, he restored the island to its original beauty and created an international cultural centre – the Fondazione Giorgio Cini essentially re-integrating the Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore into the cultural life of Venice. When Count Vittorio Cini bought the island in 1951, the monastery was destroyed after almost 150 years of military occupation. He built a warehouse for the artillery and a dock with two small towers which can be seen from the Riva degli Schiavoni. The island stayed in the hands of the Benedictines until the early 19th century, when Napoleon claimed it as a military area.

Unfortunately, in 1223 an earthquake destroyed all the buildings and everything had to be rebuilt.īelow: The old church, monastery and gardens in the de’ Barbari map of 1500. In 982, Doge Tribuno Memmo, gave the island to the Benedictine monk Giovanni Morosini who founded a monastery. The origins of San Giorgio Maggiore date back to 790, when a church was first built on what was then called the “ Island of the Cypresses).

San giorgio maggiore at dusk full#

For the full experience with guided tours, allow up to half a day. 2 ( vaporetto) from San Zaccaria it is such a worthwhile place to visit to enjoy its history, culture and peaceful atmosphere. However, Isola di San Giorgio Maggiori promises much more.Ī short hop across the Basin by Waterbus No. On such occasions, the view from the campanile, shows only the highest parts of Venice’s buildings rising out of the cloud a magical effect to witness. In winter, when the cold mountain air meets the warmer lagoon water typical sea mists roll in. Isola di of San Giorgio Maggiore, forms the focal point of the view from every part of the Riva degli Schiavoni. Enjoy the extraordinary architecture of the Grand Staircase, Refectory and Library all magnificently restored to perfection.įinally, relax in the wonderful gardens and woods admire the Sir Norman Foster designed Chapel and see the Glass Museum and Music Theatre. It is dedicated to the lasting artistic, cultural and scientific legacy of Venice. The foundation has its own institute and residential research programmes – the Branca Centre. You can visit this outstanding monumental complex with a guided tour, that can be highly recommended. The 360-degree panoramic view from its Campanile, is the finest in Venice.Īpart from the Basilica, the former monastery now houses the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, one of the most prestigious international cultural institutions. The view of the Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore, with its famous Palladian styled Basilica in classical Renaissance style, is from the waterfront at the Piazzetta San Marco one the great classic views of Venice and probably amongst the most admired by artists and photographers. San Giorgio Maggiore is really worth a visit, to explore the beauty and tranquillity of this site away from the crowds.