Doge Jacopo Tiepolo experiences a dream-vision of a marshland filled with wondrous flowers, white doves, and angels. The following day, he receives permission from the Senate to grant the Dominican friars the Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo for the construction of a basilica dedicated to the 4th-century Roman martyrs John and Paul.
History
“This is the venue I chose for my Preachers”
These were the words that Doge Jacopo Tiepolo heard in a night’s dream of 1234. In his vision, a marshy area full of wonderful flowers, flown over by white doves and crowds of singing angels, appeared to him.
After referring the fact to the Senate the day after, the Doge succeeded in donating to the Dominicans the place popped up in the dream, that is the actual Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, where the Basilica was then erected and dedicated to the Romanian martyrs of the V century Giovanni e Paolo.
The construction works of the thirteenth-century church were soon finished. However, as many Doges and famed characters chose the Basilica and burial place, it emerged the need of expanding the church. This was carried out by Father Benvenuto da Bologna and Father Nicolò da Imola, both Dominicans, and was finished off in 1368, as witnessed by an inscription marked in the first arch on the left of the organ.
Subsequently, some Venetian patricians were named Prosecutors of the factory of Saint Zanipolo in order to ensure the completion and the steady decoration of the temple, which is also today’s biggest church in the city. Lastly, almost two centuries later, on 14th November 1430, the church was finally consecrated.
Since then, the church would have been continuously enriched with the monumental sepulchres, paintings and sculptures authored by the major Venetian artists, among whom are noted Bellini, Cima da Conegliano, Palma il Giovane, Vivarini e Veronese. Moreover, the increasing role of the Basilica in the State celebrations led to the demolition of the Choir in 1682, so as to enlarge the space for the solemn city functions.
In 1806, after almost six centuries, the Dominicans were moved out from the glorious venue, and the Convent was transformed into a military and then civil hospital. The former Convent is still the civil hospital headquarter of SS Giovanni e Paolo in Venice, which hosts the historical pharmacy – former apothecary shop – and the Scuola Grande di San Marco.
In 1810 the parish of SS. Giovanni e Paolo was born and entrusted to the Dominicans: they thus managed to keep their presence in the Basilica, reclaiming their role of custodians of this overwhelming historical and artistic heritage, preserving the everlasting memory of the Serenissima and the memorable characters who marked its history.
Our History
From the Doge's dream to the glory of the Serenissima: eight centuries of Venetian history.
1234
Mid-13th Century
Completion of the construction work on the original 13th-century church.
1368
Conclusion of the expansion works on the basilica, necessitated by the choice of numerous doges and illustrious figures to be buried there. The project was directed by the Dominican friars Benvenuto da Bologna and Nicolò da Imola. An inscription in the first arch on the left, near the organ, marks this date.
1430
On November 14, the official consecration of the church takes place, nearly two centuries after its founding.
1682
Demolition of the Choir to create more space for solemn civic functions, following the Basilica's growing importance for state ceremonies.
1806
The Dominicans are removed from their seat after nearly six centuries. The convent is transformed into a hospital, initially military, then civilian.
1810
The Parish of Santi Giovanni e Paolo is established and entrusted to the Dominican friars, who thus maintain their presence in the Basilica as custodians of its historical and artistic heritage.
Orari per la preghiera
Domenica e festivi: 8.00 – 19.30
Lunedì – Venerdì: 7.00 – 19.00
Sabato: 9.00 – 19.30
- Il 1° gennaio e nelle solennità di Natale e di Pasqua, la Basilica chiude dalle ore 12.30 alle 17.30.
Orari di visita
Domenica e festivi: 12.00 – 17.45
Giorni feriali: 9.00 – 17.45
- Il 1° gennaio e nelle solennità di Natale e di Pasqua, la Basilica chiude dalle ore 12.30 alle 17.30.
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