San Pantalon Church

Admission: Free (churches in Venice typically accept donations; some concerts or special events may charge)

San Pantalon is a parish church in Venice noted for its large-scale ceiling painting that spans the nave vault. The church dates to the late Renaissance and Baroque periods and contains typical Venetian interior decoration.

The principal attraction is the dramatic painted ceiling by Gian Antonio Fumiani, which covers the nave vault and draws most visitor attention. The building otherwise functions as a local parish church and contains altars and works by regional artists.

The church was completed in the later 17th century and the ceiling painting is the work that gives the building its particular fame within Venice’s many churches. San Pantalon remains an active place of worship within the city.

San Pantalon lies within the city of Venice in the Veneto region, set among the canals and narrow streets of the historic urban fabric.

• Ceiling painting: The nave vault is covered by a vast painted ceiling by Gian Antonio Fumiani, a major feature that dominates the interior and is often described as one of the largest ceiling canvases in Venice.

On the Dorsoduro side of Venice, near the Zattere waterfront; reachable on foot from the Accademia or by vaporetto lines that stop at Zattere.

• Approach from the Zattere side to see the church's quiet southern façade and the way it opens onto the canal.
• Look up at the ceiling paintings-Visconti's dramatic scenes attract fewer crowds than the city's larger basilicas.