 Introduction
History
The original architect, Sante Lombardo (1539-1547), designed a simple domed structure to which his successor, Bernardo Ongarin (1587-1603), added the inclined campanile. However, it is the luminous golden interior and the intensely spiritual mosaics, icons and sacred images which make the San Giorgio such a rare treasure.
Soon after the completion of the church in 1573, an invitation was extended to Michael Damaskinos, the greatest Cretan iconographer of the day, who painted almost the whole iconostasis, as well as many other sacred images (1574-1582). Another well-known iconographer from Crete, Emmanuel Tzanes-Bounialis, also a Priest at the Church, completed the iconostasis by painting the two Sanctuary Doors and the two iconostasis columns. John the Cypriot (1589-1593), a great iconographer of his time, later painted the walls of the dome, under the supervision of the famous Venetian painter Tintoretto.
The church was formerly the centre of a thriving Greek community which included a seminary for Orthodox priests, a nunnery and a Greek Girls School. However, the number of Greeks living in Venice dwindled rapidly after Napoleon invaded the city in 1797 and attempted to seize Greek property.
The San Giorgio dei Greci survived these upheavals and its priests continue to celebrate the Orthodox Liturgy. The church became the seat of the Archdiocese of Italy in 1991 and is now the centre of Italys extensive Greek Diaspora.
Location
Location: Central, an easy walk from the Riva degli Schiavoni, up the calle to the right of Vivaldi's church, the Pieta.
Transit: Nearest Train or Bus: San Zaccaria linee 1 - 52 - 82
Whats to see
“With the help of our Saviour Jesus Christ
and of the holy Martyr Saint George,
the Greek immigrants and those travelling through Venice,
with their own efforts built this Church,
so that they may worship God according to their ancestral tradition”.
Amongst the notable works of art on display are the 14th century icon of the Blessing of Christ located on the left side of the Royal gate, the golden mosaic of Christ enthroned and flanked by Mary and Saint John the Baptist in the Sanctuary, and the two iconostasis columns. The central panel of the richly ornate iconostasis contains a simple but cleverly designed mosaic of the Annunciation which also serves as the focal point of the nave. The ceiling is decorated by a superb 16th century fresco of the Last Judgement by Giovanni di Cipro while one of the side doors features an eye-catching mosaic of Saint George slaying the dragon.
Useful information
Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00am-1:00pm, 14:30pm-16:30pm. Mass is held everyday at 10am, noon and 6:30pm. On saturdays and holidays, mass is held at 6:30pm.
Disabled: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
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Church of San Giorgio dei Greci
