Do you want to see Venice like a true local, far from the crushing crowds of St. Mark’s Square? Imagine a place where the city noise fades away, replaced by the lapping of water and seagulls calling. There is an island right in front of the Doge’s Palace that holds two incredible secrets: the most spectacular panorama of the lagoon and a magical garden dedicated to a literary giant. We are talking about the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
A short boat ride is all it takes to leave the tourist chaos behind and enter a dimension of peace and architectural beauty. Therefore, in this guide, you will discover why this stop is mandatory for your itinerary and how to plan the perfect visit.
Why San Giorgio Maggiore offers the best view of Venice
Many tourists wait in line for hours, often under the scorching sun, to climb the St. Mark’s Campanile. It is an iconic experience, sure; however, there is one major flaw: from up there, you cannot see the most beautiful building in the city… St. Mark’s itself!
By climbing the bell tower of the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, a white marble Palladian masterpiece, on the other hand, you have Venice at your feet in all its glory. In fact, offering a unique perspective, the view scans 360 degrees, embracing the Doge’s Palace, Punta della Dogana, the island of Giudecca, and the entire southern lagoon. Furthermore, on clear days, you can even spot the snow-capped Dolomite mountains framing the city in the distance.
Moreover, the ticket is cheaper than the tower in St. Mark’s Square (around €6-8), and best of all, there is rarely a line. As a result, the elevator whisks you to the top within seconds, offering you the most emotional sunset of your life as the city turns pink and gold.
The secret of the Borges Labyrinth
After admiring the panorama, don’t rush back to the water bus immediately. Surprisingly, the island hides a unique cultural treasure, which is actually visible from the top of the tower: the Borges Labyrinth. Located in the beautiful gardens of the Cini Foundation, this maze was built in 2011 in honor of the visionary Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, who loved Venice deeply. Constructed as a living work of art, it consists of over 3,200 boxwood plants arranged to spell out the author’s name and depict symbols dear to him, such as tigers and mirrors.
Walking here is an almost meditative experience, inspired by his story “The Garden of Forking Paths”. For instance, the silence is broken only by the sounds of the lagoon and the soundtrack composed specifically for the audio guide. Therefore, to visit, it is highly recommended to book a guided tour through the official Cini Foundation website. It is a perfect, off-beat activity for photography, literature, and silence lovers.
How to get to San Giorgio Maggiore: Practical Tips
Fortunately, reaching San Giorgio Maggiore is incredibly simple and serves as a beautiful introduction to the lagoon.
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Vaporetto Connections: Specifically, you should take Line 2 from San Zaccaria (stop “San Zaccaria B”, near St. Mark’s). The crossing takes just 3 minutes; furthermore, it provides an incredible view of the city from the water level.
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Opening Hours: Generally, the basilica opens at 9:00 AM and closes around 7:00 PM (however, always check for seasonal changes on the official site). In addition, early morning is the best time for photographers seeking soft light.
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Insider Advice: Finally, bring a light scarf, even in summer. It is often very breezy at the top of the tower. Moreover, remember that entrance to the Basilica church itself is free; you only pay to go up the bell tower.
Reach San Giorgio Maggiore Stress-Free via ATVO
To fully enjoy hidden gems like San Giorgio Maggiore and maximize your limited time, it is crucial to arrive in Venice relaxed and on schedule. Consequently, you should avoid wasting precious energy figuring out complicated transport systems or dragging heavy luggage onto crowded buses the moment you land.
Therefore, the smartest solution—chosen by locals themselves—is the ATVO Express Bus service. Regardless of whether you land at Marco Polo Airport or Treviso Canova, the blue ATVO buses take you directly to Piazzale Roma in total comfort.
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No transfers: You will enjoy a direct journey with no unnecessary intermediate stops.
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On-board Wi-Fi & Air Conditioning: As a result, you can start planning your next stop immediately and travel in a cool, relaxing environment.
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Savings: Additionally, it is much cheaper than private water taxis and more comfortable than standard city buses, with guaranteed ample space for your luggage.
In conclusion, arrive rested, drop your bags at your hotel, and rush to catch the sunset from the top of San Giorgio!
Read our articles to organize the perfect trip.
