San Zan Degola' Church

Its real name is San Giovanni Decollato but none local uses to call it like this.

Really ancient, the church is situated in between Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio and the Fondaco dei Turchi, in one of the area of the city which still maintain the local atmosphere.
It is one of the well-preserved example of Venetian-Byzantine art, even if its story was a little bit troubled. For example, during the Napoleonic time, the church was used as a storage: wall paintings, floor and columns were damaged.

The church is divided on a nave and two side aisles, really simple like the interiors. The structured is supported by 8 Greek marble columns with Byzantine capitals from XI sec., and the roof was made like the bottom of a ship.

Curious is an episode happened here: November 21st 1500 a family was murdered by Priest Francesco, well-known by the believers. Judged, first his right hand was cut in front of the family’s house then he was executed in St. Mark’s Square.

Nowadays the church is owned by the Orthodox Church and it is constantly used for functions.

Visit hours: Monday to Saturday 10-12