Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto

Catholic church · San Polo

Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto

Catholic church · San Polo

Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Highlights

Gothic church dating to circa 1071 CE, with a large, iconic 15th-century clock on its facade.

Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy Get directions

@atlasobscura

"Venice has a lot of churches—hundreds—and most of them are very old, but according to tradition, the oldest of them all is the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto. Located just next to the famous Rialto Bridge, this church is said to have been consecrated on March 25, 421, on the very date of the legendary founding of Venice. Documents dating back to the 14th century attribute the building of the church to a carpenter, helped by people from the nearby city of Padua. Modern studies seem to disprove this story, suggesting a much later date for the church. It does not appear in a 1097 map, and the first document citing the church dates from 1152. San Giacomo di Rialto is a peculiar church regardless of its age, featuring a bell-gable instead of the traditional bell tower, and a large, 24-hour clock with just one hand and a rotated quadrant, which puts noon on the left and midnight is on the right. The church also features one of the last few remaining Gothic porticoes in Venice. The important Rialto market took place in front of the church and there are some inscriptions on the apse inviting the merchants to be honest." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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View Postcard for Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto

David Arthur

Google

I visited Venice on 17th June 2024,and went to see this church. It was beautiful,but my visit was spoiled by an officious man who seemed be a guard of some description I noticed that around the church were signs asking people NOT to sit outside the church. I moved to the other side of the square where there were NO SIGNS OF ANY KIND He came across and told me NO sitting was allowed there. I replied that I could see no signs prohibiting sitting there. He then became quite stroppy,so I moved away and resumed standing. I am 71 years of age- it was a very hot day-i was not obstructing anyone or anything. This does not give a good impression of your city.

Asiyah Noemi Koso

Google

This beautiful church is located in the small square of Campo San Giacomo (which is the main market of Venice) next to the magnificent Rialto Bridge. Just looking at the church suggests that it is something special. According to local Venetian tradition, it is the oldest church in Venice, built in 421 by a carpenter named Candioto or Eutinopo. The history of this church is closely connected with the origin of the Venetian market, which began to take shape in the 12th century. On the outer wall of the apse of the church stands an inscription from the 12th century calling on the merchants of the market to be honest. Interestingly, by order of the doge Marin Grimani, the church floor was erected in 1601 to avoid flooding during the Venetian high waters (acqua alta). San Giacomo di Rialto is a small church, with an unusual bell tower, a Gothic portico (the only one of its kind in the whole city) and a large clock from the 15th century, which is well received by local merchants. Currently, is the museum for musical instruments. Beautiful church.

Pamela

Google

My absolutely most favourite church in Venice Dated back to 421 year !! Very impressive Beautiful black marble in main altar

Thomas K.

Google

I love the design of this clock. Surprisingly, not super crowded, even though it’s located right next to the rialto bridge.

Ruth Weldon

Google

I just recently revisited this Church and the memories came flooding back of a brilliant concert I was lucky enough to attend fourteen years ago in Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto. A string quartet played Vivaldi and I listened to a beautiful young Italian soprano sing Mozart. The accoustics are wonderful despite the cupola being a small one. If ever you are in Venice check if there is a concert playing.....an absolute must.

Maureen C

Google

The original one in Florence is the go to place because they have everything. However you’ll stand in line to get inside. If you don’t go to Florence this one is still the place to go. They have the merchandise but without the fanfare.

Joni Gritzner

Google

Beautiful church and a public clock. Next to the Rialto bridge

Andrew J. Neis

Google

This is a great plaza which you encounter on your way towards the Rialto bridge. A small but cute fountain stands in the center of the plaza, and one of the buildings has a large, beautiful historical clock. But the main evwnt here are all the little shops where you can find very unique souvenirs. An embroidery shop (where she will stitch amazing work right in front of you), of course your classic magnets, keychains, shirt and hats etc (the hats, magnets and shirts were of a higher quality here than other major touristy spots), but one of the shops had small souvenir swords, knives, and even a pellet gun (it may have been a non-functioning pellet gun, just decorated up to be a display for your mantle, but either way it was not a real functioning firearm). That was pretty interesting to find, you don't see very many shops like that in Italy.