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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

Of all Venice’s many churches, the huge, barn-like Frari is one of the most art-packed. The Franciscans started on the present Gothic church in 1338 and finished in 1469; it boasts the second-highest bell tower in the city and a severe exterior, but once inside, the quality of the art is extraordinary.

The assault begins as you go in when your eyes are drawn immediately to the High Alter and Titian’s vivid, soaring Assumption. Other works by Titian to look out for include his Madonna di Ca’ Pesaro (1519).

The Sacristy contains one of Giovanni Bellini’s greatest paintings, the Madonna and Child with Saints. To the left of the high alter is the fabulous Reniassance tomb of Doge Niccolò Tron (1473) by Antonio Rizzo.

Don’t miss

Titian himself (who died in the 1576 plague) is buried in the church; his rather ugly tomb (added in the 19th century) is in the second chapel on the right as you enter the church.

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Price from: £2
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The church is a 15-minute walk from the station and five minutes from the San Tomà vaporetto stop. Audio guides are available for a small extra fee.

After your art fill, head to Caffè Dersut, just by the side of the Frari church. It’s a good place to refuel with a cappuccino and some delicious pastries.

When to do it

The church is open daily, all year round (closed Sunday mornings). There are rarely queues to get in; off-season visitors may have the place to themselves.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Private Tour: Venice Rialto Market, San Polo and Frari Church Walking Tour

Private Tour: Venice Rialto Market, San Polo and Frari Church Walking Tour

Venice

The Rialto is the true heart of Venice - and you'll discover why on this private walking tour. You'll also explore the San Polo area, and it...

€241 | Rating 4.7 / 5 [10 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Oltre il Giardino

Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.1 miles]

A romantic six-room Arcadian retreat of family-run homeliness. The shady, canal-side garden is a godsend at the end of a long, hot day’s culture fest.

Official star rating:

Palazzina Grassi

Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.4 miles]

The Grand Canal meets Philippe Starck – think glamour, glitz, seduction and gorgeous views from the waterside terrace and many of the rooms. There’s an excellent restaurant too.

Official star rating:

Hotel Corte di Gabriela

Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.5 miles]

An 11-room boutique hotel with a lovely courtyard, personalised service and a centralissima location within easy reach of the Accademia, the Rialto and Piazza San Marco. The contemporary, design-led interior provides a refreshing contrast to the usual flock wallpaper and swathes of brocade.

Official star rating:

Orologio

Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.6 miles]

A stylish, modern and good value alternative to some of Venice’s more traditional hotels. Just steps from the Rialto produce market and the Rialto bridge.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Venice

Veneto, Italy

Crammed with picturesque canals, Renaissance palazzos and artistic masterpieces, this unique and alluring city is heaven-on-earth for art lovers and romantics.

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Accademia Gallery (Venice)

Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.7 miles]

From Titian to Tiepolo, the Accademia’s world-class collection represents the Golden Age of Venetian painting. A dazzling collection of masterpieces but also a voyage through the history of Venice itself.

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The Grand Canal is Venice’s busy, trafficked high street and an essential part of Venetian everyday life. Its winding two-miles of double waterfront is lined with magnificent palazzi and is crossed by four bridges.

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Saint Mark’s Square
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Saint Mark’s Square

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Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Best for ages: 6+ | £42 | 1 hour

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Best for ages: 6+ | £5

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Exterior of the square market building
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Rialto Market

Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.7 miles]

Venetians have shopped and haggled at this food market on the banks of the Grand Canal since 1097 AD. It’s a mosaic of stalls piled with aubergines, tomatoes, vats of artichoke hearts and (under the arched Pescaria) a zillion varieties of wriggling, glistening fish.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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