The tomb of Doge Andrea Gritti in the church of San Francesco della Vigna

For the few daring visitors who decide to head to the Castello district, away from the crowds swarming around Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge, there are many surprises, the first, amongst others, is its quiet!

The glory of this area of Venice is certainly the church of San Francesco della Vigna, whose reconstruction was commanded by Doge Andrea Gritti in 1534. The church was then completed in 1562, with the grand façade, by the great Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio who also designed the great funeral monument of Doge Gritti, placed in the presbytery.

Prior to his election, Andrea Gritti was an important member of the government and a skillful military commander, but he died in a rather inglorious manner.

On the eve of Christmas of 1538, the 83-year-old Doge, after eating a large bowl of bean soup, gorged himself with skewered eels, undisputedly, a daring combination. He died of indigestion four days later!

If you want to visit this beautiful church and admire the funeral monument of Andrea Gritti, do not hesitate to rely on our local guides! On your request, they will be happy to put together a personalized itinerary taking in the Church of San Francesco della Vigna and other unusual places in Venice!