There are very few crypts in Venice that can be visited. One of these is in the church of San Zaccaria. The crypt, built between the 10th and 11th centuries, is divided into three naves by small columns supporting cross vaults. In the past, the crypt held many of the relics of this important Benedictine women’s monastery church. Over time, it had come to possess up to eight bodies of saints as well as various other relics. Later, the church was completely rebuilt, but slightly shifted, so that the crypt, which was originally under the high altar, was located in an adjoining chapel (known as the chapel of San Tarasio), which today can be reached through the church museum.
Due to the gradual rise of the average sea level, this crypt is now almost constantly flooded. When the water reaches a certain height, it can only be observed from the last steps of the two opposite stairways from which it can be reached from the chapel of San Tarasio. When, on the other hand, the water level is lower, it is possible to enter it through a raised walkway. Although almost completely empty, seeing the crypt reflecting itself on a mirror of clear water is a spectacle that is priceless, except for the 1 euro ticket that includes the church museum.
Church opening hours
- Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.
Address: Campo S. Zaccaria, 4693 Castello cap 30122 – Venice
Telephone: +39 041 5221257
Actv lines: S. Zaccaria stop
Admission ticket: € 1
Text taken from www.strabiliantevenezia.com
