San Polo

About

The Chiesa di San Polo is a Catholic church in Venice, dedicated to the Apostle Paul. It gives its name to the San Polo sestiere of the city.

The current Gothic church dates from the 15th century, but a church has stood on the site since the 9th century and the south doorway, possibly by Bartolomeo Bon, survives from this church. The campanile, standing detached from the church, was built in 1362.

Lion (left), twelfth century, base of campanile

Lion (right), twelfth century, base of campanile

The interior has a ship's keel roof and was restored in 1804 by Davide Rossi. On the left wall near the entrance is a Last Supper by Jacopo Tintoretto, while the first altarpiece on the left, is attributed to his studio. Other walls have canvases by Paolo Piazza ( St Silvester baptizes Emperor Constantine and St Paul Preaching ; by Jacopo Guarana ( Sacred Heart ).

The altar of the absidal chapel on the left has a Marriage of the Virgin by Paolo Veronese. The presbytery has canvases by Palma il Giovane including St Peter and the Keys, the St Paul at Tarsus, and a Temptation of St Anthony Abbot ). Next to the altar are two bronze statues by Alessandro Vittoria : St Paul and St Anthony Abbot.

Among the ceiling paintings are a Glory of Angels and Resurrection by Giandomenico Tiepolo. His father, Giambattista is thought to be the author of Virgin appears to St John Nepomuk, commissioned by the King of Poland, August III.

The Virgin appears to St John of Nepomuk by Giambattista Tiepolo

Glory of the Angels by Giandomenico Tiepol

Saints Helena and Macarius by Giandomenico Tiepolo

Martyrdom of St John of Nepomuk by Giandomenico Tiepolo

St Vincent Ferreri preaches to the crowd

Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross

Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem who weep

Jesus down from the cross and his body is returned to his mother

- Giambattista Tiepolo ( Virgin appearing to a Saint on the north wall of the nave)

- Gian Domenico Tiepolo ( Stations of the Cross, Glory of Angels and Resurrection in the Oratory of the Crucifix)

- Veronese ( Marriage of the Virgin in the north apse chapel )