San Giorgio Maggiore is both the name of the island and its church.
This small island is a portion of the panorama that can be enjoyed from St. Mark’s square and is part of the San Marco sestiere. The church of San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the masterpieces by Andrea Palladio. The monumental complex of the former Benedectine monastery (founded in the 10th century) is now home to the Cini Foundation arts centre, which hosts ‘Le Stanze del Vetro’ cultural project, devoted to the study and appreciation of 20th century Venetian glass artworks.
While in the area, a visit to the bell tower is must-try experience as it offers one of the most spectacular aerial views over Venice. Thanks to a special video-guided itinerary, visitors can also explore all the areas of the complex including the cloisters, the libraries, the picturesque labyrinth dedicated to Argentine writer Borges, and the majestic refectory housing the ‘Wedding Feast at Cana’, one of Veronese’s best-known works of art. Although the original painting was looted by Napoleon’s troops, state-of-the-art technology has created a faithful reproduction that visitors can admire. The island also houses a small bistro where you can eat while watching sailboats bobbing on the waters of the small marina located nearby.
The Foundation also hosts Lo Squero, a unique space for concerts housed in a former boatyard overlooking the Lagoon, featuring a rich event programme all-year-long.
