AN ARCHITECTURAL TOUR
AN ARCHITECTURAL TOUR: FROM RENAISSANCE TO NEOCLASSICISM
Upon arrival in Venice, via cruise ship or simply by vaporetto from the Lido, passengers are greeted by an impressive series of architectural pieces, standing as massive sentinels between water and sky.
We will survey the works of three major Venetian architects whose creations characterize the Venetian skyline:
– San Giorgio Maggiore Church, located on the island with the same name; designed by Andrea Palladio and demonstrating the harmonic proportions of the Renaissance
– the huge Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, the most ambitious and innovative jewel of the Venetian Baroque; a masterpiece by Baldassarre Longhena located along the Zattere, opposite to the Giudecca Island
– the 18th century Santa Maria dei Gesuati, by Giorgio Massari, whose elegance and balance betray an unmistakable nostalgia for Palladio and his famously elegant “Golden Age”.
To reach the different sites we will use the public “vaporetto” (waterbus). Weather permitting we’ll climb by elevator the St Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower to enjoy the incomparable view of the city and Lagoon. Inside the churches we will admire the most important paintings: Tintoretto’s Last Supper in St George, Luca Giordano’s works in la Salute Church, and Giambattista Tiepolo’s great ceiling paintings at the Gesuati Church.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Introduction to Venetian architecture
- San Giorgio Maggiore church and Belltower
- Santa Maria della Salute church
- Church of the Gesuati
MORE ABOUT
THIS TOUR
AN ARCHITECTURAL TOUR – From Renaissance to Neoclassicism
Andrea Palladio’s architectural principles were inspired from direct examination of Roman ruins, from the works of Vitruvius and Alberti, and through interaction with contemporary architects like Jacopo Sansovino, Michele Sanmicheli, and Giulio Romano.
His Four Books on Architecture ushered in the success of his unique style, known as Palladianism, throughout continental Europe, England, and America during the 17th and 18th centuries, establishing Palladio as the most influential figure in the history of architecture.
English Palladianism became highly influential in America through the support it received from American President Thomas Jefferson.
Palladio was active in Venice from 1560 until his death in 1580. San Giorgio Maggiore was the first church he entirely designed, although the façade was built well after his death. The other famous Palladian church in Venice is the Redentore, built in thanks for the end of the 1575/1576 plague.
DRESS CODE AND ADVICE
- No shorts, no sleeveless shirts. Knee high skirts and short sleeves are ok!
- Churches are not accessible to visits on Sunday mornings (religious services).
COST
- This tour lasts three hours and costs 295 euros up to six people (not per person), only private parties. For larger parties send us an email!
- Museum fees per person:
- San Giorgio Bell Tower: 8 euros
- Church of Gesuati: 3 euros
- Public transportation “Vaporetto”= waterbus is not included.
