Venice Water Taxi

Chiesa di San Sebastiano

The church of St. Sebastian in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice was built as an offering of thanks for the passing of a vicious plague. It was dedicated to St. Sebastian, a patron saint against plagues and pestilence. Although originally constructed as an Oratory in 1396, it was expanded and consecrated as a church in 1562. From the outside it appears to be an unassuming church with a modest façade created by Antonio Scarpignano over the first half of the 1500s but the interior is a treasure trove of masterpieces. The most remarkable work in the church is the cycle of paintings by Paolo Veronese. Veronese created most of the interior decoration in the church. Paolo Veronese spent 3 years decorating several parts of the church including painting ceiling frescoes, the altar walls, the choir and creating the organ decoration. After dedicating so much time to this church the artist chose to be buried here when he passed away in 1588 and you can see his memorial plaque near the organ. Other works of art within the church include work by Tintoretto and Veronese in the sacristy; work by Jacopo Sansovino; Vittoria and Titian's Saint Nicolas (1563).