San Giacomo di Rialto

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According to popular tradition, San Giacomo di Rialto, which is also known as San Giacometto (on account of its small size), is held to be the oldest church in Venice, dating back to 421 (the date of the foundation of the city itself). 

However, there is no truth in this and San Giacometto is first documented as late as 1152. In 1513 much of the area surrounding the church was destroyed by fire, but San Giacometto survived, virtually unscathed. In 1601 it was partially restored when its floor was raised in a bid to protect it from the high tides. 

The church takes the form of a Greek Cross with a central dome and four short arms. Its six Greek marble columns have fine foliage capitals (Venetian-Byzantine). Many local guilds sponsored altars in San Giacometto, including the Guild of the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths, who traded in this area. The 15th century Gothic portico is one of only two surviving examples of its kind in Venice and, for centuries, it would have provided a place for bankers to do business. 

The original free-standing campanile was destroyed in the 1513 fire. The campaniletto (belfry) 'alla romana' was added in the 17th century. The twenty-four hour clock dates back to 1410 (renovated in the 17th century). ​

San Giacomo di Rialto