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In the early 16th century, the church of San Giorgio Maggiore appeared as a 14th century building, with three aisles, enclosed by old and low buildings. Since the renovation of the buildings corresponded to a spiritual resurrection, the "caseggiati del canton", were demolished, so that room could be made for the Palladian complex that was to be built later. At the end of the 15th century, an architect from Lugano, Giovanni Buora, built a stately and imposing dormitory which occupies a large part of the island, and faces St. Mark's Basin. From 1517 to 1526, his son, Andrea, reconstructed the so-called "cloister of the laurels", which contains the chapter hall. The plans for the new church were presented by Andrea Palladio on November 25, 1565. On the third of March, the following year, the first stone was laid. The work, however, wasn't completed until 1610, thirty years after Palladio's death with the construction of the façade begun by Simone Sorella. |
