Churches: San Giorgio dei Greci

San Giorgio dei Greci is Greek Orthodox church and the only Orthodox church in Venice. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, many Greeks found refuge in Venice. Their community became one of the largest and in 1526 they obtained permission to practice the orthodox rite and to acquire a piece of land in Castello area, where in 1536 they built the church designed by Sante Lombardo and Giovanni Antonio Chiona. The tall, slender facade of the church was designed by Baldassare Longhena. The bell tower was built between 1587 and 1617.

The rectangular interior of this very fine Renaissance church is dominated by the marble iconostasis with decorated panels in Byzantine style.

San Giorgio dei Greci is located in Castello area, sharp north from Santa Maria della Pieta church. It can be reached from Riva degli Schiavoni walking through Cale della Pieta, then turn left to Calle dietro la Pieta, then, just after a meter or two – right to Calle Bosello, then the first left to Calle della Madonna and, finally, before crossing the bridge – right. The church is in small yard by Rio dei Greci.

Directions: San Giorgio dei Greci is sharp north from Santa Maria della Pieta church. It can be reached from Riva degli Schiavoni by walking through Cale della Pieta. The church is in small yard by Rio dei Greci.

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Churches: San Giorgio dei Greci