The Chiesa San Simeone Piccolo lies across the Grand Canal, facing the train station and is probably one of the first structures to be seen upon reaching Venice. Unmissable for its faded green oxidized dome, it has a neoclassical façade and is believed to be a vague imitation of the Pantheon. Retrace the nineteen steps leading to the church's entrance and look out for the columns on top portraying a sculpture of the Martyrdom of the Saints by Francesco Cabianca. Saint Simon who was believed to be the cousin of Jesus Christ, was martyred as a Jew by the Romans.

Try spotting the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which sits atop the church’s oval dome. For the adventurous, explore the dark and eerie crypt and be enchanted by the painted walls by candlelight for a nominal fee. Listen to a mass in Latin, and if you are lucky, you might even catch a live Gregorian chant!