Church of San Giovanni Elemosinario
Ruga Vecchia S. Giovanni Venezia Venezia
Church Dedicated to Generous Almsgiver Saint
Close to Venice’s famous Rialto Market stands the Church of San Giovanni Elemosinario, a quiet and meaningful place with a long history. First built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 1500s after a large fire, this church is dedicated to Saint John the Almsgiver, a Christian leader known for his deep kindness and care for the poor. He was the Patriarch of Alexandria in the 7th century. He gave away church wealth to feed and care for the poor, often going out himself to serve people in need. While the church does not hold his bones or major relics, it honors his memory in a powerful way.
Recommended Nearby:
Church of San Stae
Gracefully positioned along the Grand Canal, the Church of San Stae embodies centuries of Venetian history and devotion. Originally founded in the 11th century, it was reimagined in the early 18th century as part of a wider cultural and spiritual renewal. The complete reconstruction was commissioned by the influential Mocenigo family, who sought to align the church with Venice’s evolving artistic and religious sensibilities.
Church of San Giacomo dell'Orio
The Church of San Giacomo dell’Orio is one of the oldest churches in Venice, with its origins dating back to the 9th century. The church’s name reflects a connection to nature, deriving from an elm tree (“orio”) that once stood in the nearby square. The interior is particularly notable for its wooden ceiling, crafted in the shape of an inverted ship’s hull, reflecting Venice’s maritime heritage.
Church of San Polo
The Church of San Polo is one of the oldest in Venice, with origins dating back to the 9th century. It is dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle. Over the centuries, the church has been rebuilt and restored several times, most notably in the 15th century, when it gained its current Gothic form.
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