The Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo is also called San Zanipolo. This is one of the city’s grandest Gothic churches. Originally founded by the Dominican order, it stands proudly in northern Castello. It is often called the Pantheon of Venice. Internally and externally, it stands as a monument to the style and grandeur of Venice’s past. Without and within it boasts the tombs of 25 Doges, these are some of the most important burial sites in the entire city. Their sculpted work on these tombs is by Pietro and Tullio Lomardo and Nino Pisano.
You enter the Basilica through the heavy bronze doors and linnet. These date from the 19th century. The Basilica has a red-and-white chessboard floor. The main altar is Baroque. The stained glass windows come from 15th c. Murano. The artists conveying their renditions are Bartolomeo Vivarini, Cima da Conegliano and Girolamo Mocetto. Three chapels feature on the southern flank. All are different in size. They feature the works of prominent painters. The Rosary Chapel has a series of paintings including Adorazione dei Pastori by Veronese. You can spend several hours trying to absorb the intricacies of the Basilica. Arrange to stay in a budget hotel in close proximity to the Basilica di San Giovani e Paolo in Venice. It will give you more time to enjoy the wealth this building has to offer.