The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is a Gothic brick church in Campo dei Frari, in Venice’s San Polo district. Its major artworks, carved choir stalls and monuments make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Venetian art and history.
- Location: Campo dei Frari, San Polo; the visitor leaflet gives the address as San Polo 3072, 30125 Venezia.
- From Acca Hotel: the basilica is about 0.3 km away.
- Typical opening hours: Open daily
- Admission: a fee is required to visit the basilica complex.
Finding the Frari in San Polo
The Frari stands in Campo dei Frari, a square in San Polo. The current basilica was consecrated in 1492; the Franciscan friars arrived in Venice shortly after 1220, and “Frari” is the familiar name drawn from the friars.
Its address is San Polo 3072, 30125 Venezia. To place the church in the wider district, you can pair your visit with this guide to San Polo in Venice.
What to look for inside
The Frari’s major artworks include Titian’s Assumption and Pesaro Altarpiece, Giovanni Bellini’s triptych in the sacristy, and Donatello’s carved wooden St John the Baptist.
Look for the Friars’ choir, completed in 1468 by Francesco and Marco Cozzi. It has 124 carved stalls. The basilica also contains tombs or monuments of Titian, Antonio Canova and Claudio Monteverdi.
Tickets, opening times and visitor rules
A fee is required for admission to the basilica complex. The official visitor leaflet notes that last admission is 30 minutes before closing, and hours may vary. Check the basilica’s official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00–19:30
- Sunday: 13:00–18:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The Frari is an active place of worship, so dress appropriately and behave respectfully. Personal photography without flash is allowed when it does not disturb others. Flash, tripods, professional equipment and video filming require prior authorization.
Food and drinks are not allowed inside, and umbrellas must be left at the entrance. Animals are not admitted, apart from guide dogs and certified assistance animals. Groups should avoid amplified microphones; the basilica recommends earpieces for guided groups.
Pair the visit with Campo dei Frari
Campo dei Frari is the square beside the basilica, so you can take in the exterior before or after your visit. The church is a brick Gothic building measuring 102 metres in length.
The basilica was elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1926. The nearby church and Scuola Grande di San Rocco make another art-and-architecture stop in the district; this guide to Chiesa di San Rocco and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco covers that site.
Practical access and respectful visiting
Acca Hotel offers three-star hotel rooms. Keep the visit flexible around worship and the posted visitor rules, especially if you are arriving with a group or plan to take photographs.
The basilica’s visiting hours and admission arrangements can vary. Check the official site before you go, and follow any instructions posted at the entrance.
FAQs
Where is the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari?
It is in Campo dei Frari, in San Polo, Venice. The visitor leaflet gives the address as San Polo 3072, 30125 Venezia.
Do you need a ticket to visit the Frari Basilica?
Yes. Admission is required to visit the basilica complex.
Can you take photographs inside the basilica?
Personal photography without flash is allowed if it does not disturb other visitors. Other photography equipment and video filming require prior authorization.