Once known as the Cypress Island during the time of the first doges, the tiny island of San Giorgio Maggiore started out in 790 A.D as a salt mine with few inhabitants. Over the centuries, beautiful additions were included in the island, with most of them being attributed to the Doge Sebastiano Ziani.

The most prominent landmark of San Giorgio Maggiore Island has to be the church, which has a façade reminiscent of the Basilica Del Redentore, located just several meters away on the island of Giudecca and designed by Andrea Palladio. The gem of the place lies in the majestic interior of the Basilica of San Giorgio. Admire the magnificent artworks by Carpaccio, Giovane and Tintoretto; and do not miss the stunning paintings of The Fall of Manna, The Last Supper and The Descent by Tintoretto. While the island may be small, it is truly a treasure trove of beautiful art.