The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Venice, Italy
Venice, a popular destination for many people, is actually a hidden gem for those looking to make a pilgrimage. It's a place where you can find a lot of history and Catholic devotion, even if you're not aware of it. St. Mark's Basilica is at the heart of the city. It's where you'll find the relics of the Evangelist himself. Pilgrims can pay their respects to the incorrupt remains of St. Lucy, pray before miraculous icons like the Madonna Nicopeia, and discover small, hidden sanctuaries.
Venice was founded in the 5th century as a refuge from barbarian invasions. It rose to become Christendom's maritime guardian, defending both faith and trade across the Mediterranean. Its churches became repositories of relics brought from distant lands, and its patron, St. Mark the Evangelist, became a symbol of divine protection. Even today, Venice remains a key Catholic destination, offering pilgrims a unique mix of history, beauty, and spiritual depth.
✝️ Top Pilgrimage Sites in Venice
1. Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica)
Local Name (Italian): Basilica di San Marco
Colloquial Name: St. Mark’s Basilica
🏛️ Type: Patriarchal Basilica, Relic Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Church
📖 Description / Highlights:
St. Mark's Basilica, the crown jewel of Venice, houses the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, brought from Alexandria in the 9th century. Its golden mosaics, Byzantine domes, and the miraculous icon of the Madonna Nicopeia make it one of the most sacred and beautiful churches in the Catholic world. The Pala d'Oro, a jewel-encrusted altarpiece, is a testament to the city's devotion and glory.
🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: Piazza San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
🧿 What3Words: ///imposes.shears.velocity
🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
📌 GPS Coordinates: 45.4340, 12.3397
🌐 Website
2. Basilica della Salute (Basilica of St. Mary of Health)
Local Name (Italian): Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
Colloquial Name: La Salute
🏛️ Type: Marian Basilica, Votive Church
📖 Description / Highlights:
This beautiful domed basilica was built in 1631 as a gift to the Virgin Mary to thank her for helping to stop the plague. It's a powerful place for Marian worship. Every November 21, thousands of Venetians cross a temporary bridge to honor Our Lady of Health. It's an ancient tradition of gratitude and asking for help.
🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: Dorsoduro, 1, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
🧿 What3Words: ///smiles.prevents.move
🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
📌 GPS Coordinates: 45.4306, 12.3344
3. Chiesa di San Zaccaria (Church of St. Zacharias)
Local Name (Italian): Chiesa di San Zaccaria
Colloquial Name: St. Zacharias Church
🏛️ Type: Relic Shrine, Historic Church
📖 Description / Highlights:
The Chiesa di San Zaccaria, located in the Castello sestiere of Venice, is a remarkable example of a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Dedicated to St. Zacharias, the father of St. John the Baptist, the church is believed to house his sacred relics, a gift from Byzantine Emperor Leo V the Armenian in the 9th century. These relics, enshrined in an urn crafted by Alessandro Vittoria around 1660, make San Zaccaria a significant pilgrimage site.
🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: Campo San Zaccaria, 4693, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
🧿 What3Words: ///armed.pursuit.dodges
🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
📌 GPS Coordinates: 45.43480, 12.34345
4. Chiesa di San Geremia e Lucia (Church of St. Lucy)
Local Name (Italian): Chiesa di San Geremia e Lucia
Colloquial Name: St. Lucy’s Shrine
🏛️ Type: Martyr Shrine, Relic Church
📖 Description / Highlights:
Here rest the remains of Saint Lucy of Syracuse, who is known as the patron saint of the blind and one of the Church's most beloved virgin martyrs. Her glass coffin allows people to honor her body, making this church an important place for Venetians and visitors.
🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: Campo San Geremia, 272, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
🧿 What3Words: ///stumble.physics.sympathy
🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
📌 GPS Coordinates: 45.44267, 12.32528
🌐 Website
5. Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (The Frari)
Local Name (Italian): Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Colloquial Name: The Frari
🏛️ Type: Franciscan Basilica, Relic and Art Shrine
📖 Description / Highlights:
The Frari is one of Venice's great Gothic churches. It holds the tomb of Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese saint. She found freedom and faith in Italy. It also preserves the relics of St. John of Capestrano and Titian's stunning Assumption of the Virgin altarpiece.
🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: San Polo, 3072, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
🧿 What3Words: ///small.teams.huddle
🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
📌 GPS Coordinates: 45.43703, 12.32687
6. Madonna dell’Orto (Our Lady of the Garden)
Local Name (Italian): Chiesa della Madonna dell’Orto
Colloquial Name: Madonna dell’Orto
🏛️ Type: Marian Church, Historic Parish
📖 Description / Highlights:
Madonna dell’Orto is a revered pilgrimage destination in Venice due to its miraculous statue of the Madonna and Child, sculpted by Giovanni de Santi and enshrined in the Chapel of St. Maurus. The church’s spiritual significance is enhanced by its connection to Tintoretto, whose tomb and stunning biblical masterpieces inspire devotion. The Venetian Gothic architecture, with Renaissance elements like the splendid portal, creates a sacred atmosphere for reflection.
🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: Cannaregio, 3512, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
🧿 What3Words: ///testing.quality.received
🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
📌 GPS Coordinates: 45.44650, 12.33281
🛏️ Where to Stay
🔗 Useful Links
Patriarchate of Venice – Official Website