Our fourth day in Venice began as a wet one.  Rain had moved in overnight, and so, when we ventured out to begin our day, we discovered a very different place than the one we had been getting to know.  The streets were literally deserted.  I must admit that there was a strange sort of melancholic beauty about the whole thing.

Set on the second largest square in Venice, the Campo San Polo, the Chiesa di San Polo is a must for any art lover visiting this city.  Even though a church has occupied this space since the 9th century, the structure we see today dates from the 15th century.  The plaque underneath the relief in the photo below actually prohibits the playing of games in the campo, a law which I would say is mainly overlooked today.

The only section of the original 9th century church, still standing today, is the door facing south, through which most people enter the building.

This church contains masterpieces by Tintoretto, Veronese, and Tiepolo.  Admission is €3.00 per person, or the church is included as part of the Chorus Pass, which I spoke about in an earlier post.

The two paintings shown below are part of the Via Crucis series, by Giandomenico Tiepolo, which is on display in the church.

The campanile of the church was erected in 1362.  The two lions, at the base of the campanile, are from the original, 9th-century church.

 

Next up: We visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari!

 

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Venice, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!