About This Location
Chiesa di San Zulian, also known as San Giuliano, sits right on the Mercerie - the busy shopping route that links Rialto with the St Mark’s area. Because of that location, this church has always been part of Venice’s daily flow, not hidden away from it. The church was first founded in the 9th century, but what is seen today mostly comes from a major 16th-century rebuilding. The striking classical facade was designed in 1553-1554 by Jacopo Sansovino and later completed by Alessandro Vittoria. One detail makes the front especially memorable: above the main door is a seated bronze figure of Tommaso Rangone, the scholar and physician who paid for the facade. It is a rare example in Venice of a patron placing a very personal signature on a church exterior. Inside, the space is simple and bright, but it holds serious art - including a Pietà by Paolo Veronese and ceiling paintings by Palma il Giovane. To continue, keep walking straight.