Basilica of Saint Peter of Castello
S. Pietro di Castello Venezia Venezia
A Venetian Church Dedicated to the Head of Apostles
The Basilica of St. Peter of Castello is one of the oldest churches in Venice, with its earliest structures estimated to date back to the 7th century. Dedicated to Saint Peter, known as the “head of the apostles” and the first pope, this basilica once served as the official cathedral of Venice before St Mark’s Basilica took on that role.
In the 16th century, the church underwent significant redesign and reconstruction, including work by the renowned architect Andrea Palladio, which shaped much of its current appearance. Located in the eastern Castello district, about a 15-minute walk from St Mark’s Square, the basilica offers a quieter experience away from the city’s busiest tourist areas.
Recommended Nearby:
St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice. The basilica holds the relics of St. Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark and the patron saint of Venice, which were smuggled from Alexandria to Venice in the 9th century. The church has served as the religious heart of Venice for nearly a millennium—first as the private chapel of the Doge, and now as the city’s official cathedral.
Church of San Giovanni Battista in Bragora
The Church of San Giovanni Battista in Bragora was originally built in the 8th or 9th century, then rebuilt in the 15th century in Gothic style. The church is believed to be the baptism site of composer Antonio Vivaldi, adding a special significance to the church’s history.
Stay Connected:
Sign up and get weekly updates with new locations, itineraries and videos.
Images by Didier Descouens, licensed under CC BY‑SA 4.0 — via Wikimedia Commons.