San Marco district

San Polo district

Santa Croce District

Castello district

Cannaregio district

Dorsoduro district

Guide to the San Polo district

The San Polo district is one of the most interesting areas of the city, being full of churches and hidden places to see as well as fascinating in a historical sense.

In the San Polo district on the main route that connects the Piazzale Roma to the Rialto bridge can be found the convent church of the Minor San Francesco (called in Venetian dialect “Frari”). This church was built between 1340 and 1443 and consecrated in 1469, and is a fine example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Inside the Frari Church, it is possible to retrace the development of the history of Venice - in particular you can admire masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini and Titian.

Near by the Frari church is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, which was finished in the 16th century and dedicated to the saint who protected the city of Venice from plague. The main attraction of the building is an extraordinary collection of paintings by Tintoretto.

Following the street in the direction of Rialto is the Campo San Polo, one of the bigger squares of the city and a place full of life where young people often gather.

Just 5 minutes away on foot over the Ponte delle Tette is the Rialto area. In the past as well as now this area is an important centre of trade and commerce for Venetians, full of typical shops and markets.

The fish market, located on the Grand Canal, offers a big selection of fresh food at a good value.
Many fine restaurants can be found in this area, most of them Ostarias hidden in side streets which are ideal to enjoy a good glass of wine and a cicchetti (a typical Venetian sandwich). We suggest trying the Ostaria ai Do Mori or the Ostaria Ae Do Spade.