A massive brick edifice with an ornately decorated Italian Gothic façade, the Santi Giovanni e Paolo is one of the largest churches in Venice and the principal Dominican church of the city of canals. Completed in 1430, the church has an honorary status of minor basilica, and is perfect for large congregations due to its impressive structure. Dedicated to John and Paul, two martyrs of the Early Christian Church in Rome (not to be confused with the biblical apostles), the church is a site of deep religious and historical significance.

The Santi Giovanni e Paolo is best known for being the burial site of all of Venice’s doges, with all funeral services of Venice’s chief magistrates held at the church since the 15th-century. The colourful marbled interior inspires awe and wonder in all who visit with numerous beautiful funeral monuments and paintings, some highlights include the Madonna della Pace, a stunning Byzantine statue, as well as the church’s main relic – the foot of Saint Catherine of Siena. A gorgeous Renaissance equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, Venice’s greatest general, stands elegantly beside the church, as well as the intriguing Scuola Grande di San Rocco.