Beautiful, old and atmospheric. The architecture of this building shows its prominence in Venetian society through its beautifully rendered stone work.
 
The Church of San Zaccaria in Venice is a former monastic church in the Castello district, just off the waterfront near St Mark’s Square. The present building dates mainly from the 15th century and is known for its Gothic-Renaissance facade, Bellini’s famous altarpiece, and a flooded crypt.
 
San Zaccaria is one of Venice’s most historically interesting churches. Earlier churches stood on the site from at least the 9th century, and the crypt is the oldest surviving part, with burials of several doges; some accounts also note that the church was linked to relics of Zechariah, father of John the Baptist.
 
The church’s exterior above is a good example of Venetian transition style, with Gothic roots and a Renaissance finish associated with Mauro Codussi.
 
Interesting facts...
The facade hides a much older structure behind. Thes buildings were often adapted and embellished over centuries. its a marker of the church's importance. The crypt is also interesting it is the oldest surviving part of the church and is often flooded by the tides, which makes it quite atmospheric.