Venice/San Polo - one of the six sestieri of Venice, historical neighbourhood
San Polo is one of six sestieri (districts) that make up Venice. Covering 86 acres (35 hectares) along the Grand Canal, it is one of the oldest parts of the city, having been settled before the 9th century.
Get in
See also: Venice#Getin
By vaporetto
There are several vaporetto stops along the Grand Canal, with San Tomà being one of the busiest. The stops are served by Line 1, which connects the railway station with St Mark's Square.
- San Tomà vaporetto stop. 2021-08-31
See
Landmarks
- Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), 45.4380°, 12.3359°. The bridge has become one of Venice's most recognizable icons and has a history that spans over 800 years. Today's Rialto Bridge was completed in 1591 and was used to replace a wooden bridge that collapsed in 1524. 2021-08-31
- Campo San Polo. A large campo (square), one of the most popular Carnival venues and also used for open-air concerts and screenings during the Venice Film Festival. 2021-08-31
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco, San Polo 3052 (Vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Tomà, near the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari), 45.4365°, 12.3253°, +39 041 5234864. 09:30-17:30, closed Dec 25, Jan 1, Easter Sunday. A masterpiece of Tintoretto, this guild house is an exquisite example of Mannerist art at its best. In order to allow a comfortable admiration of the detailed ceiling, mirrors are offered to the visitors. Cycles of allegories, life and passion of Christ, scenes from the Old and New Testament. Adult €10, concessions €8 2021-08-31
- Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, San Polo 2454 (Vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Tomà), 45.4383°, 12.3257°, +39 041 718234. Occasional 09:30-17:00. Monumental staircase by Codussi, splendid San Giovanni Salon, Oratory of the Cross with precious reliquiaries. €5 2021-08-31
Museums
- House of Carlo Goldoni (Casa di Carlo Goldoni, Centro di Studi Teatrali), Rio Terà dei Nomboli, 2794 (Vaporetto line 1 or 2 to S.Tomà), 45.4361°, 12.3282°, +39 041 275 9325. Apr-Oct: Th-Tu 10:00-17:00; Nov-Mar: Th-Tu 10:00-16:00; closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25. Birthplace of Venice's most famous playwright. Museum, library and theater studies center. A MUVE museum. Adults €5, reduced €3.50 2021-08-31
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum Venice, Campo San Rocco, 45.4369°, 12.3256°, +39 041 8876815. Small museum dedicated to the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci. 2021-08-31
Churches
- San Giacomo di Rialto, Ponte di Rialto, +39 348 281 5492. This church is possibly the oldest church in Venice built around 421. It is most recognized for its 15th-century clock above the entrance of the church. It is also recognized for the red pillars and beautiful gold accents around the church itself. 2021-08-31
- Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Basilica dei Frai, often just referred to as the Frari), San Polo, 3072, 45.4367°, 12.3262°, +39 041 272 8618. M-F 09:00-18:00, Su and holidays 13:00-18:00. Last admission 30 min before closing time. The big friary church, fine example of Venetian Gothic architecture, with fine monuments and paintings of Titian, Belliniand Donatello, among which the famous 'Assunta' by Titian. Adult €3, reduced €1.50 2021-08-31
Other sights
- State Archive (Archivio di Stato di Venezia), Campo dei Frari, 3002 (Vaporetto line 1 or 2 to S.tomà), +39 041 5222281. M-Th 08:10-17:50, F Sa 08:10-13:50 (reading room). One of the largest archives in the world, in an old Franciscan monastery. Manuscripts, texts and documents related to the history of the Venetian Serenissima. Free 2021-08-31
Do
Buy
- Rialto Market (Mercato di Rialto), 45.4397°, 12.3343°. This vegetable and fish market has been running for hundread of years, an essential stop for home cooks in central Venice. 2021-08-31
Eat
In general, prices are higher in the vicinity of the Rialto bridge compared to other parts of the district.
Budget
- Pizza 2000, Campo Sant'Agostin, 2287, 45.4387318°, 12.3285964°. Pizza takeout 2022-07-01
- Ostaria dai Zemei, San Polo 1045, b, 45.4378924°, 12.3329818°. Down home cooking with Venezian style tapas 2022-07-01
- Antico Forno, Ruga Rialto, 973, 45.4381578°, 12.3335236°. A pizzeria 2022-07-01
- Acqua e Mais, Campiello dei Meloni, 1411-1412, 45.4373652°, 12.3313862°. Small plates 2022-07-01
- Farini, Ruga dei Speziali, 379, 45.4391112°, 12.3343045°. A bakery 2022-07-01
- Ristobar San Polo, S. Polo, 2024, 45.4369754°, 12.3298225°. 2022-07-01
Mid-range
- Ristorante Casa Cappellari, San Polo, 805, 45.4383610°, 12.3336195°. Traditional Venetian cuisine with a warm atmosphere 2022-08-01
- Antica Osteria Ruga Rialto, C. del Sturion, 692, 45.4381886°, 12.3338696°. Seafood specialties 2022-08-01
- Farini, Ruga Rialto San Polo 655, 45.4383370°, 12.3338676°. A bistro 2022-08-01
- Cantina Do Mori, Calle Do Mori, 429, 45.4390353°, 12.3340460°. Venetian tapas 2022-08-01
- Cantina Do Spade, San Polo, 859, 45.4391999°, 12.3334066°. Venetian cuisine 2022-08-01
Splurge
- Antico Dolo, San Polo 778, 45.4384°, 12.3340°. An old seafood restaurant close to Rialto bridge: food comes from the adjacent Rialto Market daily. A complete dinner excluding wines could cost €35 each more or less. 2022-08-03
- Trattoria Antiche Carampane, Rio Terà de le Carampane, 1911, 45.4386°, 12.3311°, +39 041 524 0165. In the heart of Venice, steps away from the Rialto Bridge, is this renowned restaurant where distinguished Venetian cuisine is served in a familiar setting. 2021-08-31
Ice cream
- Gelateria Il Doge, +39 339 148 2164, 45.4362°, 12.3278°. Excellent ice cream, all made on the premises (a rarity in Venice). Plenty of vegan options. 2022-08-03
Drink
- La Bottiglia, Campo S. Stin, 2537 (South end of San Stin square), 45.4377°, 12.3272°, +39 340 076 5212. A small wine bar with excellent reviews. They offer a small but constantly changing selection of wines, complemented by excellent Italian street food and snacks. 2021-10-09
Sleep
Splurge
- Aman Venice, Palazzo Papadopoli, Calle Tiepolo Baiamonte, 1364, 45.4367°, 12.3320°, +39 041 270 7333. 2021-10-07