Explore the San Polo area of Venice in a tour of the city's history, told through the lives of its prominent merchants, courtesans, and painters. This 2-hour walking tour also stops at the huge Frari church, home to several High Renaissance masterpieces.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Small group
- Limited to 8 participants
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 2 hours
- Starting times 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
Experience
Highlights
- Admire Rialto Bridge and learn the legend of the Statue of the 'Gobbo di San Giacomo
- Visit the enormous Frari church and discover its artworks by Renaissance masters Titian and Bellini
- Learn about the commercial quarters, the bankers, the brokers, and the merchants of Venice
- See one of the city’s biggest squares, the Campo San Polo and its surrounding area
Full description
Learn the history of Venice as told through the tales of its prominent merchants, courtesans, and painters in San Polo, the site of the city's main market since 1097.
The tour starts near the Rialto area. Venice was a city where west met east, and exotic items such as silk and spices were traded alongside traditional goods like copper and wood. The city's courtesans were well-off in this golden age and lived in sumptuous apartments. They were often accomplished musicians and raconteurs, and some were even deployed as secret spies for the state.
Focus will then shift to the Venetian artists, with a visit to the Gothic Frari church, which dwarfs the eastern side of San Polo. Built by Franciscans in the 13th century, it is one of the city's largest places of worship. Simply the sheer size of its striking interior will amaze you, let alone the quality of its High Renaissance masterpieces – Titian's Assumption being the most famous.
Includes
- Hotel pick-up in the St. Marks area (if arranged in advance)
- Food and drinks
- Entrance to the churches (this is only an external walking tour)
- Gratuities
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to tour departure, at Campo San Bartolomeo, in front to the statue of Goldoni. Look for your guide holding a sign with your name on it.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Not allowed
- Oversize luggage
Know before you go
- This is only an external walking tour and does not go inside the churches
- If you would like to enter Frari Church with your guide, please contact the local operator (pay on the day)
