Getting to San Giacomo

The Chiesa di San Giacomo dall'Orio is located in the Santa Croce district on Campo San Giacomo dall'Orio, with its entrance facing the Rio de Sant'Agostin.  
​​​​​​​You can get there by taking the Vaporetto (Lines 1 or 2) to Riva de Biasio or San Stae, or walking 10-15 minutes from Rialto.  From Marco Polo Airport, take a water bus, bus, or private water taxi.

San Giacomo’s Rich History

​​​​​​​San Giacomo dall'Orio, one of Venice's oldest churches, dates back to the ninth century and was renovated in 1225 by the Badoer and Da Mula dynasties.  
The origin of its name is unknown, but it could be related to nature or landscape elements.  
It was renovated in the Gothic era and became a pilgrimage site, housing Renaissance artworks by Lotto, Veronese, and Palma il Giovane today.

What Makes It Unique​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​San Giacomo dall'Orio is notable for its combination of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic styles.  Its understated exterior contrasts with a stunning 14th-century wooden ceiling shaped like an upturned ship.  Ruskin and d'Annunzio both appreciated the green marble column from Constantinople, which provides historical intrigue.  Inside, masterpieces by Veronese and Lotto create a true haven for art lovers.

When to Visit San Giacomo

​​​​​​​Spring and fall (April-May, September-October) provide pleasant weather (15-25°C) and fewer tourists.  The church is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM; visit Chorus Venezia for updates.  Visit in the morning for peace and quiet, or in the late afternoon for warm lighting that highlights the artwork.  Avoid the peak summer and acqua alta seasons (October-March).

The Visiting Experience

​​​​​​​Visiting San Giacomo dall'Orio is a serene and thoughtful experience.  The hardwood ceiling and mild apse light provide a peaceful atmosphere within, while the church's basic facade is contrasted by vibrant Renaissance artworks.  Outside, Campo San Giacomo  bustles with locals—children playing, neighbors conversing—and provides a genuine sample of Venetian life away from the city's more touristy areas.

Tips for Visiting San Giacomo

​​​​​​​To enter the church, dress modestly, with your shoulders and knees covered.  
The nearby campo can be crowded, so respect the inhabitants.  Photography is permitted without the use of flash; however, please be discreet to maintain the tranquil ambiance.  
Wear suitable shoes for Venice's uneven streets, and verify operating hours at www.chorusvenezia.org, as schedules may vary seasonally.

Attractions Near San Giacomo

Santa Croce provides numerous nearby adventures.  Ca' Pesaro, a 10-minute walk away, showcases modern art in a Baroque palace.  The Natural History Museum at Fondaco dei Turchi is only 5 minutes away.  
​​​​​​​Walk 10-15 minutes to the Rialto Bridge and Market.  Gondola rides depart from San Stae, and the lively Campo San Polo is perfect for events or relaxation.

San Giacomo’s Cultural Role

​​​​​​​San Giacomo dall'Orio remains an important part of Venice's cultural life, serving as a parish church for the San Polo-Santa Croce-Dorsoduro district.  
It was originally a pilgrimage starting point for Santiago de Compostela and continues to hold spiritual significance.  
Locals come here for Sunday Mass & community festivities like the Sagra di San Giacomo: a vibrant celebration in July.

Legends of San Giacomo

San Giacomo dall'Orio's name piques interest—some believe it relates to a laurel tree or a neighboring river.  The church's link to St. James the Greater is symbolized by a scallop shell on its bell tower, which represents the Camino de Santiago.
A local legend also tells of a marshy island where wolves formerly lived, giving the location a legendary origin.

San Giacomo in Art

​​​​​​​San Giacomo dall'Orio houses treasures by Venetian artists including Lotto, Veronese, and Palma il Giovane, whose 1577 ceiling piece Allegory of the Faith is a standout.  Though not frequently seen in cinema, the church's art has been studied in works such as The Decoration of the Church of San Giacomo dall'Orio, which emphasizes its Counter-Reformation significance.

Admission and Value

Entry costs €3.50 or is free with the Chorus Pass (€14 full, €10 reduced), which allows access to 15 Venetian churches.  This tiny price allows for a tranquil visit to see rare Renaissance art and the unusual keel-shaped roof.  
​​​​​​​The Chorus Pass is an excellent value for art and history lovers who plan to visit multiple churches.

Visitor Suitability

San Giacomo dall'Orio is a family-friendly destination, with the campo offering space for children to play, albeit the church steps can be difficult for strollers.  Elderly people should take note of the accessible flat campo, however there are some steps inside the church.  
While the artwork may not pique small children's interest, the vibrant square and nearby gelato businesses provide plenty of entertainment.

Economic and Tourism Impact

​​​​​​​San Giacomo dall'Orio, a Chorus Association member, contributes to Venice's tourism by attracting art and history lovers.  Admission fees assist to fund preservation, but surrounding restaurants and shops in the campo profit from tourists.  
The annual Sagra di San Giacomo festival benefits local businesses by attracting both tourists and residents.

Evening and Special Experiences​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Though the church closes at 5 p.m., the nearby Campo San Giacomo dall'Orio comes alive at night, particularly during the Sagra di San Giacomo festival in mid-July, which features music, food, and dancing.  
Evening strolls around Santa Croce, or canal-side beverages, create a lovely atmosphere.  The church itself provides a serene view into Venice's rich artistic, historical, and communal atmosphere.