Only a view visitors get lost „enough“ to finish here in San Pietro di Castello.
Actually a pity, as the Basilica is really worth a visit; not only because of its very idyllic park, but also because of its history.
The beginning
When the city of Venice started to develop in the lagoon, San Pietro di Castello was already a bishop’s see (775 until 1451) under the patriarch of Grado. It then became the see of the patriarch until 1807, when the St. Mark’s Basilica was accorded this honour.
The first church to see daylight in this very same place was consecrated to the Saints Sergio and Bacco, whilst the second church, built in the very same place under the bishop Magno in the 9th century, was consecrated to Saint Peter.
Today‘s facade was built by Francesco Smeraldi (end of the 16th/beginning of the 17th century) who based his work on a project of the famous architect Andrea Palladio (1556).
In the right nave you will find a rather particular object
The seat of Saint Peter in Antioch. According to a legend, the Holy Grail was hidden in this very same seat (to bring it safely to Europe; it was then kept by Fredrik II in Puglia) that was probably built in the 13th century using an Arabic sepulchral stele (thus the inscription taken from the Koran).
Furthermore, Vivaldi received his ordination to the priesthood here.
Have you noticed the beautiful Renaissance style clock tower?
It was built by Mauro Codussi (1482-90) and stands out because of the material that was used to built it (Istrian stone). How many clock towers have you seen in Venice that were completely built in this material?
Venetians organize a fair, „Festa de San Piero“, in this square. This year from the 29th of June – 3rd of July 2016.
Opening Hours
Monday 10.30 am – 04.00 pm
Tuesday – Saturday 10.30 am – 04.30 pm
How to get there
Line 4.1,4.2,5.1,5.2 – Waterbus Stop: San Pietro di Castello
Piacere, mi chiamo Beatrice!
I grew up in the heart of the Alps, in Innsbruck, and decided in 2012 to move from the snowy Tyrolean peaks to the Venetian lagoon.
The travel-bug bit me during an Erasmus stay in France and so I decided after my University studies to start a backpack adventure through Canada.
After one year I said “good bye” to the American continent and moved to Venice (What you do for love!) and searched for a possibility to combine my passion for languages, travelling, culture and reading.
The solution? Four years ago I passed the governmental exam here in Italy to become a licensed tour leader and then a tour guide. Since then I’m guiding visitors through this fascinating city.
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