San Polo: District and Attractions

San Polo: District and Attractions. One of the smallest districts on Venice, it derives its name from the Church of Saint Paul Evangelist.

One of the most vibrant sestieri, it is confined to the north by Santa Croce, the south by the Dorsoduro and the rest by the Grand Canal.

This historic neighbourhood around the Rialto, was originally Venice’s commercial and banking centre; separate from the administrative and religious centre of San Marco. It offers a rich tapestry of culture, commerce, and charm, characterized by its narrow streets and known for its iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and bustling Rialto Markets, Campo San Polo (Venice’s 2nd largest square), the Frari Basilica and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

It’s a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic Venetian experiences.

Main Attractions of San Polo District

Walking Tour of the San Polo District

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Main Attractions of San Polo District

Rialto is known for the monumental Rialto Bridge across the Grand Canal, and its busy fruit and vegetable and fish markets,

Rialto and the market area are undoubtedly the most important and oldest parts of this area, settled in the 9th century and for a long period of time the financial and commercial heart of the city. The name Rialto is derived from “Rivoaltus” or “high bank” and at a height of up to three metres above sea-level, it is the highest point of the city.

The first dry crossing of the Grand Canal was a pontoon bridge built in 1181 by Nicolò Barattieri. It was called the Ponte della Moneta, presumably because of the mint that stood near its eastern entrance.

Due to the development and importance of the Rialto market on the eastern bank, it was replaced in 1255 by a wooden bridge. This structure had two inclined ramps meeting at a movable central section, that could be raised to allow the passage of tall ships. The connection with the market eventually led to a change of name for the bridge. During the first half of the 15th Century, two rows of shops were built along the sides of the bridge and the rents brought an income to the State Treasury; which helped maintain the bridge.

Maintenance was vital for the timber bridge. It was partly burnt in the revolt led by Bajamonte Tiepolo in 1310. In 1444, it collapsed firstly under the weight of a crowd watching a boat parade and again in 1524.

The idea of rebuilding the bridge in stone was first proposed in 1503. Several projects were considered over the following decades. In 1551, the authorities requested proposals for the renewal of the Rialto Bridge, among other things. Plans were offered by famous architects, such as Jacopo Sansovino, Palladio and Vignola, but all involved a Classical approach with several arches, which was judged inappropriate to the situation.

Antonio da Ponte designed the present stone bridge, a single span which was finally completed in 1591. It is similar to the wooden bridge it succeeded. Two inclined ramps lead up to a central portico. On either side of the portico, the covered ramps carry rows of shops. The engineering of the bridge was considered so audacious that it would not last; but it has defied all critics to become one of the architectural icons of Venice.

From the top of Rialto bridge, can be found the first civic numbers of San Polo and San Marco area.

Heading down from the bridge into San Polo, on the right-hand side is the area of the two busy markets; the Marcato di Rialto.

Since 1097, Venetians have depended on the Rialto markets for their daily supplies of fish, vegetables, fruit, and other foodstuffs.

It’s best to arrive early if you want to see the Erberia (vegetable market) and Pescheria (fish market) in full swing. The markets are open Tuesday to Saturday. The barges start arriving at dawn,and the vendors start bargaining with customers from 7.30 am. The wholesalers and most of the retailers start to close up shop by midday.

LEFT: Descending down the steps from the Rialto Bridge into San Polo and the Market Area’

San Giacomo di Rialto is a small church just over the Rialto Bridge in the market area (photo below). The addition of “Rialto” to the name distinguishes this church from its namesake San Giacomo dell’Orio; found in the district of Santa Croce. According to tradition, San Giacomo is the oldest church in the city (photo below left) supposedly consecrated in the year 421.

Although documents exist mentioning the area but not the church in 1097, the first document citing the church dates from 1152. It was rebuilt in 1071, prompting the establishment of the Rialto market with bankers and money changers in front of the church. The system of a “bill of exchange” was introduced here, as clients went with such a bill of exchange with a credit inscribed from one banker to another.

It has a large 15th-century clock above the entrance, a useful item in the Venetian business district but ridiculed for its inaccuracy. The Gothic portico is one of the few surviving examples in Venice. It has a Latin cross plan with a central dome. Inside, the Veneto-Byzantine capitals on the six columns of ancient Greek marble date from the 11th century.

In 1503, it survived a fire which destroyed the rest of the area, and was restored from 1601 by order of Doge Marino Grimani; including works to raise the pavement to counter the acqua alta. One small gem of interest is to be found in the Campo San Giacomo, opposite the church.

The Gobbi di Rialto (the Hunchback of Rialto – photo left) is a statue of a kneeling figure supporting a staircase leading to a column. In the middle ages naked wrongdoers, ran the gauntlet between Piazza San Marco and this statue; an alternative to a goal sentence.

Proceeding west you arrive at the “Campo Sant’Aponal” in the area called the Carampane di Rialto. This was one of the red-light districts of Venice in the fifteenth century, by official decree. Sex workers there would open their legs wide or display their breasts from nearby balconies to attract business. The Serenissima supported heterosexual sex in order to help stem the tide of a growing wave of homosexuality; which had grown into what was perceived as a social problem. By 1509, one writer estimated that there were some 11,565 courtesans working in Venice. In the vicinity is the infamous “Ponte delle tette” (bridge of tits).

The church of Sant’Aponal was founded in the 11th century, by refugees from Ravenna and dedicated to St Apollinare. Restored over the centuries, it underwent major reconstruction in the 15th century. During the Napoleonic occupation, it was deconsecrated and then only reconsecrated in 1851. For a time, it was used as a prison for political prisoners. It was re-closed in 1984, and is now mainly an archive. The facade retains features of gothic architectural decoration.

Campo San Polo, the second largest public space after Piazza San Marco, is at the very centre of the district. (Photo below). Originally dedicated to grazing and agriculture, in 1493 it was entirely paved; a well (one of the few fountains to be found in Venice) being placed in the middle.

It was subsequently used for bullfighting, mass sermons and masked balls. After the 17th century the “poor” market was moved here from Piazza San Marco. It remains to this day one of the most popular Carnival venues and is also used for open-air concerts and screenings, during the Venice Film Festival.

Here can be found the church of “San Paolo Evangelista” (Saint Paul the Evangelist). The current Gothic church dates from the 15th century, but a church has stood on the site since the 9th century and the south doorway, possibly by Bartolomeo Bon, survives from this earlier church. The campanile, standing detached from the church, was built in 1362-7 by Doges Pietro and Giovanni Tradonico.

The interior has a ship’s keel roof and was restored in 1804 by Davide Rossi. On the left wall near the entrance is a “Last Supper” by Jacopo Tintoretto, while the first altarpiece on the left, is attributed to his studio. Other walls have canvases by Paolo Piazza (“St Silvester baptizes Emperor Constantine and St Paul Preaching” and by Jacopo Guarana (“Sacred Heart”). The altar of the absidal chapel on the left has a “Marriage of the Virgin” by Paolo Veronese.

Facing the church are the following buildings: Palazzos Tiepolo ,Soranzo, Palazzo Donà and Corner Mocenigo. A canal now filled in ran along the east side of the campo.

A short distance west after San Polo located in the Campo dei Frari, is the cavernous Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, commonly known as the “Frari”. The church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and has minor basilica status.

The imposing edifice is built of brick and is one of the city’s three notable churches built in the Italian Gothic style. In common with many Venetian churches, the exterior is rather plain. The interior contains the only rood screen still in place in Venice.

It is packed with great paintings, sculpture, monuments and the burial place of many famous citizens. Titian (Tiziano Vercello) the most prominent 16th-century Venetian painter, is interred in the Frari.

Unmissable sights include, Titian’s “Assumption of the Virgin” and “Madonna di Ca’ Pesaro”, Marco Cossi’s choir stalls, Donatello’s “St John the Baptist” and Giovanni Bellini’s “Madonna and child with Saints”.

In 1231, under Doge Jacopo Tiepolo, the city donated land at this site to establish a monastery and church belonging to the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor.

This edifice proved too small and a three-nave church was begun in 1250 and not completed until 1338. Work almost immediately began on its much larger replacement, the current church, which took over a century to build. The new church inverted the original orientation, thus placing the facade facing the plaza and small canal. The work was started under Jacopo Celega, but completed by his son Pier Paolo. The campanile, the second tallest in the city after that of San Marco, was completed in 1396. Under the patronage of Giovanni Corner, the Chapel of San Marco was added in 1420. In 1432-1434 the bishop Vicenza Pietro Miani built the chapel of San Pietro next to the bell-tower. The facade was not completed until 1440, with the cornice is surmounted by three statues (1516) by Lorenzo Bregno. The main altar was consecrated in 1469. In 1478, the Pesaro family commissioned a chapel in the apse. On 27 May 1492, the church was consecrated with the name of Santa Maria Gloriosa.

Close to the south of the Frari, is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco (photo below); the sumptuous headquarters of the richest of the Venetian scuole. St Rocco (St Roch) was a French saint whose efficacy against the plague and a love of dogs, made him highly popular in plague ridden Venice. It was founded in 1478 and built between 1516 and 1560. The interior was decorated by Tintoretto between 1564 and 1587.

Chronologically the panels were started upstairs in the Sala dell’Albergo (Boardroom), where the ceiling portrays St Roch in Glory. The huge Crucifixion dominates the richly decorated room. The adjoining Main Hall, has Old Testament scenes on the ceilings and a Life of Christ cycle on the walls. Tintoretto was in his 60’s when he embarked on the decoration of the Ground Floor Hall, featuring his most visionary paintings; the Annunciation and the Flight into Egypt.

Finally, close by is another important school, the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista (photo below), with its wonderful portico and where it is possible to admire works by Tintoretto, Tiepolo and Palma Il Giovane.

Walking Tour of the San Polo District.

One of Venice’s oldest districts, dating back to the 9th century, the area around the Rialto, developed into Venice’s commercial and banking sector. Whether you’re drawn by its historical roots, architectural gems, or vibrant street life, San Polo offers a quintessential slice of Venetian heritage that captivates visitors.

I have given a rather full description of the route directions – many of the lanes are narrow and plenty of dead ends often into a canal. Space was at a premium as Venice developed around the Rialto!

This walk through the San Polo district, will take you through its narrow lanes and hidden corners, as well as many of the main attractions; more fully described and illustrated, in the above text.

I have included links to all my relevant and comprehensive posts where available, at the end of each section of the walk.

Start the walk on top of the Rialto Bridge.

Venice’s most famous bridge, built in 1591, spans the Grand Canal and offers stunning views in both directions and bustling shops along its span. The name comes from “rivo alto”, meaning high bank.

Often crowded – it is a “selfie-stick” paradise! Be amazed at the density of water traffic and wonder why anyone would start their gondola ride from here. You are also reminded that many goods still have to be brought in by boat and the rubbish collected and taken away!

On the southern facing side and to the left, are the four Rialto vaporetto stations and wooden quays for unloading goods and taking gondola rides.
On the San Polo right side, is the Fondamenta del Vin (wine) and a strip of covered canal-side restaurant areas. Also, note all the waterside canal poles, in the different family colours of the nobility. Behind the Fondamenta, is a maze of narrow lanes. There’s even a doorway that leans heavily to one side and another that has a barrel-shaped entrance for wines or oils. Many of the streets are named after the trades carried out there, and some after noble/merchant families or religious institutions.
On the northern facing aspect of the bridge, on the San Marco side, is the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, originally the home and lodging place of the Germanic community. It is now Venice’s latest luxury department store, with its roof-top viewing area.
On the San polo side, is the Palazzo dei Camerlenghi. A Renaissance palazzo, it was built between 1525 and 1528 by Guglielmo dei Grigi, and served as the headquarters for financial magistrates of the Venetian Republic. Originally, the ground floor housed a prison for debtors, serving as a warning to those passing by the Rialto Bridge. The palace is known for its stunning architecture, featuring a pentagonal floor plan and tall windows adorned with intricate decorations. Although many of its original artworks have been lost, the palace now houses the regional offices of the Italian Comptroller and Auditor General, making it a significant historical site in Venice.
Bridges of the Grand Canal

Church of San Giacomo di Rialto.

Coming down the bridge steps into San Polo, ahead of you is a street full of tourist items.
To the right is what is believed to be the oldest church in Venice, the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto; dating back to the 5th century, with a distinctive 15th-century 24 hour clock on its façade.
In front of a church, you can see a stone fountain, featuring a mix of Gothic and Byzantine styles with the classic Renaissance cross design.
Directly across from San Giacomo di Rialto, the Gobbo di Rialto (Hunchback of Rialto) supports steps up to the Colonna del Bando, where official announcements were made in ancient days.

Rialto Market. (Mercato di Rialto)

Go past the Hunchback and to the right, you are in the main market area. The long two story building next to the Grand Canal, is the Fabbriche Vecchie.
The lively and colourful market, known for its fresh produce and seafood. It’s been a hub of Venetian commerce for centuries.
Lively and raucous, every morning the Rialto Market is filled with locals shopping for, well, just about everything. From fresh fish and seafood to produce to oils, wines and pastas and plenty more. Frequent boats stop in with the latest catch or fruits and vegetables from the island of Sant’Erasmus.,
The main market is open from Monday to Saturday, the fish market, which is covered, Tuesday to Saturday. There are usually some stalls still going later in the day.
Rialto Fish Market”

Ponte delleTette (Bridge of Breasts)

Walk up to and under the covered and columned Fish Market (Pescaria) and cross the small bridge over the Rio delle Becceria that flows into the Grand Canal. There are great views here, across to the wonderful Ca D’Oro.
Take the turning left into the Calle dei Botteri and walk west for about a few hundred metres, Enter the Campaniello Rampani and then immediately to the right into the Rio Terra d Carampani, A few metres along and you are at the “Bridge of Breasts”
Today, this bridge in Venice symbolizes the flourishing sex trade that existed in the 16th century, Rialto District. This period saw this area in particular, emerge as the epicentre of state regulated and controlled sex working. This small unassuming bridge in the south-east part of the San Polo district, is a compelling reminder of a unique and controversial chapter of Venetian history. It served as a site for sex workers to display themselves, to attract clients; particularly amidst the churches rising concerns about homosexuality. Working ladies confined to that area, were known as “Carampane”, which became synonymous with “prost*tute”, in the Venetian language and still is today.
Turn west (left) down the Rio di San Cassiano and after a few minutes you will enter the north-east side of the wonderful large and rectangular, Campo San Polo.
The Ca d’Oro in Venice
Prost*tutes and Courtesans
Ponte delle Tette

Campo San Polo

The second largest square in Venice, it was originally a grazing field, paved over in 1493 and has since evolved into a vibrant cultural hub. Known for hosting open-air concerts, Carnival celebrations, and Venice Film Festival screenings, the square blends rich history with modern Venetian life. Surrounded by notable landmarks like the Church of San Polo and several Renaissance palaces, A few great bars and restaurants to relax in.
Note all the wonderful doors and window patterns of the palazzos. Also, along the east side, on the ground paving, you can see the demarcation line of an original canal, that ran alongside the palazzos.
To the south-east of the campo is the Church of San Polo – one of Venice’s oldest and most artistically rich churches. Originally founded in the 9th century and rebuilt in the 15th century in Gothic style, it features masterpieces by Tintoretto, Veronese, and Palma il Giovane. Highlights include the dramatic “Last Supper” and the 18th-century Oratory of the Crucifixion, adorned with Giandomenico Tiepolo’s vivid frescoes. A hidden gem in the San Polo district, this church offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and sacred art.
Moving on, take the lane running to the side of the church and cross the small bridge over the Rio di San Polo. Work your way west and after a few minutes you cross a wide stone bridge into the Campo dei Frari, opposite the main entrance.

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.

A significant Gothic church known for its impressive architecture and rich collection of art. It was built by the Franciscan Order and is one of the few surviving Gothic churches in Venice. It features two grand altarpieces by Titian, “The Assumption” and “The Pesaro Madonna,” and is home to many tombs of notable Venetians, including Doges. The interior showcases Venetian Renaissance art, with works by Titian, Bellini, and Donatello.
The church’s bell tower was repaired in the early 2000s, and it is a parish church of the Vicariate of San Polo-Santa Croce-Dorsoduro. The Frari Basilica is a must-visit for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the artistic and cultural heritage of Venice.
After visiting the Basilica, walk to the left and along the southern aspect of the Basilica and you can see two further attractions: the wonderful Scuola Grandi di San Rocco and on the opposite church side, the Da Vinci Interactive Museum.
Santa Maria Glorioso dei Frari

Scuola Grande di San Rocco (St Roch)

NOTE. The veneration of San Rocco, which rapidly spread through Western Europe since the latter half of the 15th century, was officially approved by Pope Urbano VIII in 1629. He is the protector of travellers and of people infected with plague; his relics were repeteadly used in the past when the terrible disease raged through Italy. He is celebrated on August 16, often in association with the Assumption Day.

A Renaissance confraternity building famed for its dramatic Tintoretto paintings, considered by some as the “Sistine Chapel of Venice”.

Discover one of Venice’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Founded in 1478, this historic confraternity is renowned for its breathtaking collection of over 60 paintings by Renaissance master Jacopo Tintoretto, including dramatic depictions from the Old and New Testaments.
The building has remained virtually unchanged since its 16th-century construction, offering visitors an immersive journey into Venetian art, architecture and spirituality.
Experience the legacy of a brotherhood that continues its charitable mission to this day.
The Scuola offers classical music concerts by, renowned chamber and orchestras and soloists. Book here: Scuola Grande di San Rocco events and concerts
Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Finish the Walk at the San Toma Vaporetto Station on the Grand Canal.

From the front of the Scuola, turn towards the front of the Frari, but stay on the right and you come quickly into the Campo San Toma with a small short lane to the Vaporetto stop.
Venice Vaporetto Guide

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Please click on the links below, to see my other related “Districts and Attractions” posts:-

Venice Districts and Attractions – Introduction

San Marco: District and Attractions

Castello: District and Attractions

Dorsoduro: District and Attractions

Cannaregio: District and Attractions

San Croce: District and Attractions

Introduction to Venice A great starting point to develop your understanding and enjoyment of this historic city and its lagoon environment. If you are planning a trip, or on limited time once there; this post will maximise your appreciation and enjoyment of this unique aquatic city.

St Mark’s Square Guide This unique all-in-one post, will give you everything you need to know about the most famous square in Venice. Three suggested walk’s, starting from St Mark’s Square are included; together with links direct to the main attractions, tourist board offices and other ticketing agencies, discount cards and much more.

Best High Views in Venice Campaniles and roof-top terraces and restaurants, offer new perspectives on the city; as well as a truly memorable experience.

(3152) Venice Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia – YouTube

San Polo: District and Attractions San Polo: District and Attractions San Polo: District and Attractions

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