Venice Architecture

St. Mark’s Square is a true testament to the architectural beauty of Venice. As the epicenter of Venice architecture, this historic square boasts remarkable structures that have captured the hearts and imaginations of visitors for centuries.

St. Mark’s Square, also known as Piazza San Marco, is undeniably the heart of Venice architecture. This iconic square boasts a mesmerizing blend of architectural styles that date back centuries.

• Style: Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic
• Built: originally c. 829 to c. 836; rebuilt c. 1063 to 1094
• Address: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE

St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is located on the eastern end of St. Mark’s Square and is attached to the Doge’s Palace.

The church has undergone a long and complex evolution over the years. Significantly, the three exposed façades were radically altered in the thirteenth century.

The church’s cruciform plan with five domes and a mix of styles reflects the strong Eastern Mediterranean influences on Venice.

• Built: original 9th century; restored 1511 – 1514; rebuilt 1903 – 1912
• Address: P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE

St. Mark’s Campanile (Campanile di San Marco) is a bell tower in Saint Mark’s Square.

The tower was initially constructed as a watchtower in the 9th or 10th century. It was renovated over time until it reached its full height in 1514. The current campanile is a reconstruction completed in 1912 after the last tower collapsed in 1902.

• Architect: Andrea Palladio, Antonio Rizzo, Bartolomeo Bon, and others
• Style: Venetian Gothic
• Built: 1340 onwards
• Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is made up of three large blocks:  the wing towards the St. Mark’s Basin is the oldest, rebuilt from 1340 onwards; the wing towards St. Mark’s Square was built in its present form from 1424 onwards; and, the canal-side wing, housing the Doge’s apartments and many government offices, dates from the Renaissance and was built between 1483 and 1565.

The Doge’s Palace features a large monumental staircase that connects the interior of the palace with the rest of the buildings in Piazza San Marco. The steps were nicknamed “the Giant’s Staircase,” and it has become one of the most iconic structures in Venice.

• Architect: Antonio Contin (nephew of Antonio da Ponte)
• Built: 1600 – 1603
• Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is an enclosed bridge over the Rio di Palazzo. It connects the Doge’s Palace with the prison and, according to legend, gets its name from the sound prisoners made when they took their last view of the city.

Possibly, the most romantic bridge in a city filled with romance and bridges…

• Architect: Zuan Carlo Rainieri
• Style: Renaissance
• Built: 1495 to 1499
• Address: P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE

St. Mark’s Clocktower (aka Torre dell’Orologio) is located on the north side of the Piazza San Marco. The tower and clock have been renovated and reconstructed multiple times over the centuries.

• Architect: Jacopo Sansovino, Vincenzo Scamozzi
• Style: Renaissance
• Built: 1537 – 1588
• Address: P.za San Marco, 7, 30124 Venezia VE

The Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana is a treasure trove of knowledge nestled in the heart of Venice. Situated near the iconic Piazza San Marco, this historic library holds a vast collection of manuscripts, books, and maps that date back centuries.

Originally commissioned by Cardinal Bessarion in 1468, the library’s stunning architecture is a sight to behold. Designed by Jacopo Sansovino and completed by Vincenzo Scamozzi in the 16th century, it exudes elegance with its classical style and ornate decorations.

• Architect: Pietro Bon and Zuan Celestro (attributed)
• Style: Early Renaissance
• Built: ca. 1514 – 1538
• Address: P.za San Marco, 105, 30124 Venezia VE

The Procuratie Vecchie was built to serve as rental property to fund work on St. Mark’s Basilica.

One aspect of Venice’s architectural beauty lies in its churches. These sacred structures not only serve as places of worship but also stand as testaments to the city’s rich history and artistic prowess. For more information, check out our article about the best churches in Venice.

Cannaregio

• Style: Early Renaissance
• Built: original 7th century; reconstructed 1575
• Address: Cannaregio, 4465, 30121 Venezia VE

The Cappella Cornaro, built in the 1490s, is attributed to architect Mauro Codussi.

• Architect: Carlo Corbellini
• Style: Neoclassical
• Built: 1753 – 1861
• Address: Campo San Geremia, 334, 30121 Venezia VE

San Geremia is located in the Cannaregio district.

• Architect: Pietro Lombardo
• Style: Renaissance 
• Built: 1481 – 1489; restored 1990 – 1997
• Address: Campiello dei Miracoli, 30121 Venezia VE

• Style: Italian Gothic
• Built: originally mid-14th century; restored 1840s – 1869
• Address: Cannareggio, 3512, 30121 Venezia VE

The façade was built from 1460 to 1464.

• Architect: Giorgio Massari
• Style: Italian Baroque
• Built: 1730 – 1736
• Address: S. Marcuola, 1762, 30121 Venezia VE

Chiesa di San Marcuola is located in the Cannaregio district. Interestingly, the facade remains unfinished to this day.

• Architect: Mauro Codussi
• Style: Renaissance 
• Built: rebuilt 1497 – 1525
• Address: 30121 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice

Chiesa di San Giovanni Crisostomo is located in Cannaregio. The original church was destroyed by fire in 1475. The bell tower was built in the late 16th century.

• Architect: Antonio Gambello, Pietro Lombardo
• Style: Renaissance
• Built: 1450 – 1493
• Address: Campo S. Giobbe, 30121, 30121 Venezia VE

The Church of Saint Job (Chiesa dei Santi Giobbe e Bernardino) is in the Cannaregio district.

Castello

• Architect: Bartolomeo Bon
• Style: Italian Gothic
• Built: 13th-century expansion completed in 1343
• Address: Campo S.S. Giovanni e Paolo, 6363, 30122 Venezia VE

The Basilica of Saints John and Paul (Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo) aka San Zanipolo is located in the Castello district. After renovations, the church was finally consecrated in 1430.

The interior plan is a Latin cross with a transept and three naves divided by enormous cylindrical columns connected by wooden tie rods.

• Architect: Mauro Codussi
• Style: Renaissance (church) and Baroque (façade)
• Built: church completed 1492; façade facing canal completed in 1542; Baroque-style façade facing the square completed in 1604
• Address: Calle Seconda de la Fava, 5263, 30122 Venezia VE

The Church of Santa Maria Formosa (Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Formosa) aka The Church of the Purification of Mary is located in the Castello district.

The interior is a Latin cross layout with a nave and two aisles.

The dome was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1688.

• Architect: Sante Lombardo
• Style: Renaissance
• Built: 1539 – 1573
• Address: Calle dei Greci, 3422, 30122 Venezia VE

Chiesa di San Giorgio dei Greci is located in the Castello district.

• Architect: Jacopo Sansovino and Andrea Palladio (facade)
• Style: Gothic and Renaissance
• Built: 1534 – 1554; facade completed 1564
• Address: Ramo Al Ponte S. Francesco, 30122 Venezia VE

San Francesco della Vigna is located in the Castello district.

• Architect: Mauro Codussi, Andrea Palladio
• Style: Renaissance
• Built: 1596 to 1619
• Address: Campo San Pietro, 30122 Venezia VE

The Basilica of San Pietro di Castello is located in the Castello district. The church has a Latin cross layout with three naves divided by three arches each and the dome at the intersection with the transept.

• Style: Renaissance 
• Built: c. 1512 – 1563 (walls completed 1525); consecrated 1543
• Address: Campo S. Isepo, 30122 Venezia VE

Chiesa di San Giuseppe (aka Sant’Isepo) is located in Castello.

Dorsoduro

• Architect: Baldassare Longhena
• Style: Baroque
• Built: 1631 to 1687
• Address: Dorsoduro, 1, 30123 Venezia VE

The Basilica of Saint Mary of Health (Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute) aka the Salute is located at Punta della Dogana in the Dorsoduro district. Like Il Redentore, the Salute was built as an offering following a major wave of the plague from 1630 to 1631.

The church is octagonal, with two domes and two bell towers. The interior is octagonal with eight radiating chapels.

The dome of the Salute at the entrance to the Grand Canal is a symbol of the city.

• Architect: Giorgio Massari
• Style: Baroque
• Built: 1724 to 1736
• Address: Fondamenta Zattere Ai Gesuati, 30123 Venezia VE

The Church of Santa Maria del Rosario (Chiesa di Santa Maria del Rosario) aka I Gesuati is located in the Dorsoduro district. The façade, dome, and two short onion-shaped bell towers are distinctive from across the water.

• Architect: Andrea Palladio
• Style: Renaissance
• Built: 1577 to 1592
• Address: Redentore, Sestiere Giudecca, 30133 Venezia VE

The Church of the Most Holy Redeemer (Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore) aka Il Redentore is located on the island of Giudecca in the Dorsoduro district. It was built as a thanksgiving following a major plague outbreak that killed 46,000 Venetians between 1575 and 1576.

The church was designed with a single nave and three chapels on each side.

• Architect: Antonio Abbondi
• Style: Renaissance 
• Built: 1506 – 1548
• Address: Campazzo San Sebastiano, 30123 Venezia VE

The Church of San Sebastiano (Chiesa di San Sebastiano) is located in the Dorsoduro district.

Chiesa di San Pantaleone Martire aka San Pantalon is located in the Dorsoduro district.

• Architect: Francesco Comin
• Style: Baroque
• Built: rebuilt 1684 – 1704
• Address: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 3703, 30123 Venezia VE

• Style: Gothic
• Built: 14th century
• Address: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 2612, 30123 Venezia VE

The Church of Santa Maria dei Carmini aka Santa Maria del Carmelo aka I Carmini is located in the Dorsoduro district. The bell tower was designed by architect Giuseppe Sardi.

San Marco

• Architect: Giuseppe Sardi (rebuilt)
• Style: Baroque (rebuilt)
• Built: original 9th century; rebuilt 1678 – 1681
• Address: Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, 30125 Venezia VE

The Church of Saint Mary of the Lily (Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio) aka Santa Maria Zobenigo is located in the San Marco district. The church was rebuilt in 966 and 1105 due to damage from fires.

It has a single nave with three short side chapels on each side.

• Style: Italian Gothic
• Built: original 13th century; rebuilt 14th century; renovated 15th century
• Address: S. Marco, 3471C, 30124 Venezia VE

The Church of St. Stephen (Chiesa di Santo Stefano) is located at the end of Campo Santo Stefano in the San Marco district.

• Architect: Giovanni Scalfarotto (bell tower)
• Built: original 830; renovated 1170; rebuilt 18th century
• Address: Salizzada Pio X, 30124 Venezia VE

Chiesa di San Bartolomeo is located in the San Marco district. The bell tower was built between 1747 and 1754.

• Built: 1581; enlarged 1703
• Address: Campo San Gallo O Canova 1103, Corte delle Ancore, 30124 Venezia VE

Chiesa di San Gallo is located in the San Marco district.

San Polo

• Architect: Jacopo Celega and Pier Paolo Celega
• Style: Venetian Gothic
• Built: 1250 to 1338 (original construction)
• Address: San Polo, 3072, 30125 Venezia VE

The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari aka the Frari is located in the San Polo district. The church has been enlarged multiple times, including significant reconstruction in the late 14th and 15th centuries.

The design is based on the Latin cross plan and has three naves with pointed arches resting on six columns on the side.

• Architect: Bartolomeo Bon (attributed); Giovanni Scalfarotto (renovations); Bernardino Maccaruzzi (facade)
• Style: Renaissance 
• Built: original 1489 – 1597; renovated 1726 – 1732; facade completed 1765 – 1769
• Address: Campo S. Rocco, 30125 Venezia VE

Chiesa di San Rocco is located in the San Polo district.

• Architect: Antonio Abbondi
• Style: Renaissance 
• Built: original before 1071; reconstruction completed 1531
• Address: Ruga Vecchia S. Giovanni, 30125 Venezia VE

The Church of San Giovanni Elemosinario (Chiesa di San Giovanni Elemosinario) is located in the San Polo district. The original church was destroyed by fire in 1514.

• Architect: Davide Rossi (rebuilt)
• Style: Gothic (15th century) and neo-Classical (early 19th century)
• Built: 15th century; rebuilt 1804
• Address: S. Polo, 2407, 30125 Venezia VE

The Church of San Polo (Chiesa di San Polo aka Chiesa Rettoriale di San Polo) is located in the San Polo district. The church was rebuilt in the neo-Classical style in 1804 by Davide Rossi. However, a church has stood on the site since the 9th century, and the south doorway is believed to be from the original church. The detached bell tower was built in 1362.

The church also contains several important paintings by Venetian masters Tintoretto and Tiepolo.

Santa Croce

• Architect: Giovanni Antonio Scalfarotto
• Style: Neoclassical
• Built: rebuilt 1718 – 1738
• Address: Santa Croce, 698, 30135 Venezia VE

Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo is located in the Santa Croce district.

• Architect: Domenico Rossi
• Style: Baroque
• Built: completed 1708
• Address: Salizada San Stae, 1982, 30135 Venezia VE

The Church of San Stae (Chiesa di Sant’Eustachio e Compagni Martiri) is located in the Santa Croce district.

The interior has a single nave with a vaulted ceiling.

• Style: Romanesque
• Built: 9th century; rebuilt 1225; renovated 1532
• Address: Campo S. Giacomo da l’Orio, 1587, 30135 Venezia VE

Chiesa di San Giacomo dall’Orio is located in the Santa Croce district.

Other

• Architect: Andrea Palladio
• Style: Renaissance
• Built: 1566 to 1610
• Address: Isola di S.Giorgio Maggiore, 30133 Venezia VE

The Church of Saint Giorgio Maggiore is an architectural gem located on the island of the same name in Venice. Standing proudly against the backdrop of the city’s skyline, this church is a testament to Venetian architectural prowess.

Designed by renowned architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century, the Church of Saint Giorgio Maggiore showcases a harmonious blend of Renaissance and Classical elements. Its elegant facade with towering columns and graceful arches draws the eyes of both locals and tourists alike.

Venice, known for its intricate network of canals and stunning architecture, is also famous for its picturesque bridges. These bridges not only serve as vital transportation links but also add to the charm and character of the city.

• Architect: Antonio da Ponte
• Style: single-span stone bridge
• Built: 1588 and 1591
• Address: Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venezia VE

The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) was the first bridge crossing the Grand Canal. It connects the San Marco and San Polo districts.

The Rialto Bridge is my favorite of all the bridges I’ve crossed during my travels. In fact, it is one of my favorite architectural structures of any kind!

• Architect: Eugenio Miozzi
• Built: 1932 – 1934
• Address: Ponte degli Scalzi, 30135 Venezia VE

The bridge connects the Santa Croce and Cannaregio districts.

• Built: rebuilt 1615

aka Ponte dei Morti sul Rio de San Cassan is located in the Santa Croce district.

Venetian palaces are iconic structures with decoration concentrated on the side facing the canal. The palaces’ architecture tells a unique story about Venice, and cruising down the Grand Canal offers an opportunity to admire their beautiful facades.

• Architect: Baldassarre Longhena and Giorgio Massari
• Style: Baroque
• Built: started in 1667 and completed in 1758
• Address: Dorsoduro, 3136, 30123 Venezia VE

Ca’ Rezzonico is located in the Dorsoduro district overlooking the Grand Canal. Following demolition of the pre-existing buildings, construction started in 1667. However, construction was abandoned in 1682 due to the owner’s economic difficulties and the death of Longhena.

Giambattista Rezzonico (brother of Pope Clement XIII) bought the building in 1751. Massari finally completed the construction in 1758.

The palace currently houses the Museum of 18th-century Venice.

• Architect: Baldassarre Longhena and Antonio Gaspari
• Style: Baroque
• Built: 1652 to 1710
• Address: Santa Croce, 2076, 30135 Venezia VE

Ca’ Pesaro is located in the Santa Croce district overlooking the Grand Canal.

Longhena designed the palace for the noble Pesaro family. Construction started in 1652 but was still not completed when Longhena died in 1682. The Gaspari finally completed the palace in 1710.

Today, it is home to the International Gallery of Modern Art and the Oriental Art Museum of Venice.

• Architect: Bartolomeo Bon, Matteo Raverti, Giovanni Bon, Marco d’Amadio
• Style: Venetian Gothic
• Built: 1428 – 1440
• Address: Calle Ca’ d’Oro, 3934, 30121 Venezia VE

Cà d’Oro aka Palazzo Santa Sofia is located in the Cannaregio district overlooking the Grand Canal.

Some parts of the façade were originally covered with gold, thus giving the palace its name. It is an excellent example of Venetian flowery Gothic style. This style reflects the influences of Byzantine and Islamic architecture due to Venice’s trading network. This influence can be seen in the pointed arches and rib vaults used to cover large interior spaces in the palace.

• Architect: Giorgio Massari
• Style: Neoclassical
• Built: 1748 – 1772
• Address: Campo San Samuele, 3231, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Palazzo Grassi is located on the Grand Canal in the San Marco district. It is an iconic building that originally belonged to the Grassi family and is now owned by Francois Pinault. The palace has a central rectangular inner courtyard surrounded by private rooms and large halls.

• Address: Castello, 6282, Corte Botera, 30122, VE

According to one source, the palace was owned by the Tetta family from Sibenik.

In addition to the stunning architectural masterpieces above, there are several other attractions in Venice that deserve recognition. The city is a treasure trove of history, offering visitors a multitude of options to explore.

• Architect: Bartolomeo or Pietro Bon, Sante Lombardo, Antonio Scarpagnino, and Giangiacomo dei Grigi
• Style: Renaissance 
• Built: 1515 – 1560
• Address: San Polo, 3054, a, 30125 Venezia VE

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, dedicated to the patron saint of plague victims, began in 1478 as a Scuola dei Battuti.

• Architects: Mauro Codussi, Pietro Lombardo, Bartolomeo Bon
• Style: Renaissance
• Built: 1437
• Address: Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, 6777, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

The Scuola Grande di San Marco was built in the late 1400s during the early days of the Renaissance movement in Venice. It includes round arches that were prominent during the Romanesque period and continued to be a defining feature of Venetian architecture during later times.

The building has served as a hospital, an orphanage, and educational facilities at various times. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire at the end of the 15th century.

• Architect:  Jacopo Sansovino
• Built: 1534 – 1583
• Address: Sestiere Cannaregio, 3599
  30121 Venice

The Scuola Nuova di Santa Maria della Misericordia was restored in 2016.

Want to learn about Venice’s history with a guide? Book a highly-rated city tour in Venice!

Islamic and Byzantine architectural influences significantly shaped Venice’s unique architectural landscape. The city’s diverse structures showcase elements like intricate geometric patterns, domes, and arches reminiscent of Islamic design. Byzantine architecture’s influence is evident in the extensive use of ornate mosaics, vaulted ceilings, and rounded arches seen in various buildings. These influences blend harmoniously with Venetian Gothic and Renaissance styles, offering a rich tapestry of artistic heritage that sets Venice’s architecture apart.

In Venetian architecture, building techniques and materials play a crucial role in shaping the unique structures found across the city. Venetians utilized a variety of materials, including wood, plaster, and stucco, to construct their buildings. The use of wooden piles to support structures in the marshy Venetian lagoon is a notable technique. Additionally, the application of innovative construction methods and materials allowed for the creation of elaborate facades and intricate details, showcasing the craftsmanship of Venetian architects.

There are many great places to stay in Venice. For the best experience, we recommend staying near St. Marks Square (the castle marker on the map below). It’s the epicenter of Venice, with great cafes and bars for people-watching and the stunning Cathedral as a backdrop.

Here’s an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

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Venice, Italy is known for its unique architectural style, blending Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance elements. The city’s narrow alleys and canals also contribute to its distinctive charm and character. Overall, Venetian architecture reflects the city’s rich history and cultural influences from various periods throughout its past.