San Giacomo di Rialto

The church of San Giacomo di Rialto is amongst the oldest in Venice, if not the oldest (legend says that it was built by a carpenter in 421). The addition of Rialto to the name distinguishes this church from its namesake San Giacomo dell’Orio found in the sestiere of Santa Croce.

The church has a wonderful 15th century clock above the entrance. Inside, the Veneto-Byzantine capitals on the six columns of ancient Greek marble date from the 11th century.

It was rebuilt in 1071, prompting the establishment of the Rialto market with bankers and money changers in front of the church. The system with the “bill of exchange” was introduced here, as clients went with such a bill of exchange with a credit inscribed from one banker to another.

In 1503, it survived a fire which destroyed the rest of the area, and was restored from 1601 by order of Doge Marino Grimani. Works included raising of the pavement to counter the acqua alta (the Rialto being one of the lowest parts of Venice).

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