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Temples & religious sites

San Zaccaria

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San Zaccaria

What it is

San Zaccaria is a former convent church just behind the waterfront near Piazza San Marco, built and rebuilt over the 15th century and dedicated to the father of John the Baptist. The main draw inside is Giovanni Bellini's altarpiece of the Madonna and Child with saints, still in its original setting, along with a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture visible in the facade and interior. It's a quieter stop than the big-name sights nearby, useful if you want a look at Venetian religious art without the crowds of the Basilica.

Getting there

From the city centre this is a short walk: from Piazza San Marco it's about 5-10 minutes on foot, heading southeast past the Basilica toward the waterfront. If arriving from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), take the Alilaguna waterbus or a water taxi into the San Marco area, then walk the rest of the way; the boat ride alone typically runs over an hour depending on the line and stops.

Time to allow

Most visitors spend 20-30 minutes inside, longer if you want to study the artwork or the crypt area.

When to go

Mornings tend to be calmer, before tour groups moving between San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs pass through the campo. The square outside can fill with day-trippers in peak season (summer, and around major holidays), though the church interior itself rarely feels as packed as St Mark's Basilica.

Combine with

  • Bridge of Sighs (0.2km) — a couple of minutes' walk
  • Doge's Palace (0.3km) — easily paired on the same walk
  • St Mark's Basilica (0.3km) — the natural next stop
  • St Mark's Campanile (0.3km) — for a view over the area you've just covered

All four are close enough to link into a single loop through San Marco without backtracking.

Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near San Zaccaria

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Venice 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Venice grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

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Venice 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Venice grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Bridge of Sighs

Views & landmarks

Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is a small stone bridge spanning the Rio di Palazzo canal between the Doge's Palace and the Prigioni Nuove (New Prison) opposite it. It is said that convicted prisoners crossed this bridge on their way from the palace to the prison, and the real attraction is less the bridge itself than the view of the narrow canal flanked by buildings on either side.

0.2 km away
Doge's Palace

Museums & galleries

Doge's Palace

The Doge's Palace served as the residence of the Doge, the seat of government, and a prison during the Republic of Venice. Built in Venetian Gothic style, it was first constructed in 810 and rebuilt in 1340, with further additions and renovations over the following centuries. It has operated as a museum since 1923 and is one of eleven museums managed by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.

0.3 km away
St Mark's Basilica

Temples & religious sites

St Mark's Basilica

St Mark's Basilica is the patriarchal cathedral of Venice, said to hold the relics of the Evangelist Mark. It became the cathedral in 1807, succeeding San Pietro di Castello, and is known for its Byzantine interior and façade covered in gold mosaics — a highlight for anyone interested in church architecture and religious art.

0.3 km away
St Mark's Campanile

Views & landmarks

St Mark's Campanile

St Mark's Campanile rises at the center of St Mark's Square and, at 98.6 meters, is the tallest structure in Venice. It was rebuilt in 1912 as an exact replica of the original tower, which had collapsed in 1902, and remains a landmark visible from almost anywhere in the city.

0.3 km away
St Mark's Clocktower

Museums & galleries

St Mark's Clocktower

This early Renaissance building stands at the entrance to the Mercerie, north of St. Mark's Square. A central tower houses an intricate astronomical clock, flanked by lower wings, and it was built in the late 15th century adjoining the Procuratie Vecchie arcade of St. Mark's Basilica. The clock was originally positioned to be visible from ships crossing the lagoon, announcing Venice's wealth and power.

0.3 km away
Piazza San Marco

Parks & gardens

Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco is Venice's central square, surrounded by the city's major landmarks, including St. Mark's Basilica, its bell tower, and the Doge's Palace. The square itself is less a destination than a starting point where Venice's most iconic buildings converge, and the arcades lining it are filled with cafés and shops.

0.4 km away