Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato
Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato
Venice, Italy
7th-century church with mosaic floors & the supposed bones of dragon slain by St. Donatus of Arezzo.
Last updated: February 11, 2026
Overview
7th-century church with mosaic floors & the supposed bones of dragon slain by St. Donatus of Arezzo.
Opening Hours
Visitor Reviews
**★★★★★ Beverly Zygmunt — 3 months ago
This lovely old church has beautiful mosaic floors. Behind the altar, there are bones displayed which are said to be those of a dragon killed by Saint Donatus. Much of Murano is devoted to glass blowing, tourist shops, and restaurants. This church makes a nice respite from that.
**★★★★★ UnDiplomatic Wife — a year ago
I really really wish we had time to go in to see the dragon bones. But the outside alone is so magnificent already. I loved walking by it everyday we were in Murano.
As beautiful at night as in the day.
**★★★★☆ Didem Çiçekçi — a month ago
Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato This is the oldest church in Murano, dating back to the 9th century, and one of the island’s most important historical landmarks. The exterior is simple, but the interior is truly impressive, especially the beautiful 12th-century mosaic floor with animal motifs and the golden Byzantine-style apse mosaic of the Virgin Mary. The basilica also houses the relics of Saint Donatus, giving it strong spiritual significance. A peaceful and meaningful place to visit, offe
**★★★☆☆ v_becks — 10 months ago
This beautiful church really only drew me in for the dragon bone myth. It has a lovely courtyard and nice mosaics. There are information posters describing the art and building. The dragon bones are behind the front alter. It cost 3.50 euro, cash only.
**★☆☆☆☆ Rocío Serrano — 3 months ago
Murano itself is a bit overpriced and underwhelming, but this church visit was by far the most unpleasant experience I had there. The elderly lady at the entrance was on the phone when I arrived — no problem, I patiently waited and even greeted her kindly. My mom and I were quietly looking around, trying to see the stained glass artwork, but since the church was very dark, I couldn’t find it. When I asked her where it was, she rudely told me to “read the sign.” Then she abruptly said, “Pay now.”
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