Known in the Venetian dialect as San Zanipolo, this is one of the largest churches of Venice even if it has the status of a minor basilica. The church is in Italian Gothic style.
Ss. Giovanni e Paolo is the principal Dominican church of Venice and has been dedicated to John and Paul, two martyrs of the Early Christian church.
Many fine artwork adorn the interior. The "Madonna della Pace" is a Byzantine statue in the south aisle. The Capella del Rosario, or Chapel of the Rosary was built in 1582 and commemorates the victory of Lepanto, a battle that saw the Republic of Venice, along with Spain and the Papacy defeat the main fleet of the Ottoman Empire.
A foot of St Catherine of Siena is preserved into the church. St. Catherine was a tertiary of the Dominican Order, and a Scholastic philosopher and theologian. She worked to bring the Papacy back to Rome from its displacement in France, and to establish peace among the Italian city-states.Other works by great artists such as Giovanni Bellini and Bartolomeo Bon are featured.
After the 15th century the funeral services of all of Venice's doges were held in San Zanipolo. Twenty-five doges are buried in the church.
The Basilica is open to the public every day from 7:30am to 6:30pm. Admission is 2.50 euros.
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