This is absolutely my favorite corner to go and eat a frittella (pancake) during the carnival or an ice cream during a sunny afternoon while sitting outside on the tables of Rosa Salva (some of the best pastries in Venice).
The square is dominated by the majestic church of San Giovanni e Paolo, built 8 centuries ago. San Giovanni e Paolo is an amazing basilica in the Castello area. It is also known as San Zipolo among Venetians or "The Pantheon of Doges" because numerous doges and nobles of the Venetian Republic are buried there.
What is stunning is that the facade of the church is sided by a rather different facade: an authentic Renaissance beauty which used to be the entrance of the “Scuola Grande di San Marco” and nowadays is the hospital of Venice.
It is kind of unusual to find the main hospital located in a masterpieces of Renaissance architecture in Venice. In fact, the building can be visited, at least the main entrance rooms, where there are permanent exhibitions.
This square has also been the set of many films and TV series. The last one shot there was the TV series by Paolo Sorrentino 'The Young Pope'.
Find your way with 95 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Carlo Scarpa" is La Serenissima's most famous modern designer. Many of his works evoke the sensation of water lapping over edges around Venice...
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"Ca' Bembo" is a referent point for Venice. It's an occupied palace that has become a free cultural and relaxation space right in the center!
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"Torrefazione Cannaregio" is the place I choose to get my first dose of caffeine for the day! Even the pickiest Venetian is satisfied at this shop!
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"Da Luca e Fred" is a small Osteria just a few steps away from the Railway Station of Venice. I like going to this bar / restaurant for the Aperitif.
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"Orsoni Furnace" is the only mosaic tile furnace still functioning in the historic center of Venice. It has revived the city's Byzantine mosaic production...
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"San Francesco del Deserto" in Venice is a little monastery and chapel located near Burano and Torcelio. You can only get there with a private boat...
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"VizioVirtù Cioccolateria" Venice is a fantastic chocolate shop I discovered recently while I was walking around...
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"Lio Piccolo" in Venice is the perfect place to go on a summer day when the heat is too much to take. I love going there by bike and used to do so daily!
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"Magna Bevi Tasi" is a typical Venice 'baccaro' where you can have an aperitif or drink. I like to sit outside on a nice sunny day, enjoying my spritz...
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"Campiello Remer" in Venice is the best place to have an aperitivo in the center of the city. This beautiful place does have a spooky legend...
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"Pasticceria Rosa Salva" in Venice is a bakery that uses the highest quality of ingredients. I love coming here during festivals like the Carnival...
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"Birreria Forst" is a restaurant just behind Saint Mark's square in Venice. It's a historical, rustic locale. I like that gondoliers come here for breaks!
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95 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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