The Greek Presence in Venice and the story of San Giorgio dei Greci

Tucked away in the Castello district of Venice lies one of the city’s most fascinating and lesser-known treasures: San Giorgio dei Greci, the historic Orthodox church that stands as a testament to centuries of Greek presence in Venice.

From the late Middle Ages, Venice became a vital crossroads for trade and culture between East and West. Among the many foreign communities that settled here, the Greek community was one of the most prominent. Fleeing Ottoman expansion or arriving as merchants, scholars, and sailors, Greeks found in Venice a place of refuge, opportunity, and vibrant cultural exchange.

In 1539, after years of petitions, the Greek Orthodox community was granted permission by the Venetian Republic to build their own church—a major milestone in a city dominated by Latin Catholicism. Completed in 1573, San Giorgio dei Greci was the first Orthodox church built in Western Europe.

With its elegant Renaissance facade and beautifully frescoed interior, the church reflects both Greek artistic traditions and Venetian architectural influence. Nearby, the Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies continues to preserve this rich legacy.

San Giorgio dei Greci isn’t just a church—it’s a living symbol of cultural resilience, spiritual identity, and the deep ties between Venice and the Hellenic world.

If you’re exploring Venice beyond the usual tourist paths, this hidden gem is a must-see