As HERA entered Venice, San Giorgio Maggiore lay across from St Mark’s Square. From the deck, the island, church, campanile and familiar city skyline appeared within the same view. The arrival on 1 July was therefore more than the end of a passage: Venice began in the fairway.
The berth for the approximately 15-metre HERA was at San Giorgio Maggiore. Without a reservation, the crew found a place at the end of a floating pontoon. The marineros assisted with the arrival, after which shore power and water were connected.
Navigation comes before the view
However impressive the skyline may be, the fairway, traffic and the yacht’s own movement remain the priorities during the approach. One person steers while the crew prepares lines and fenders and keeps watch around the yacht. Photographs belong to the moments when the situation allows them.
That is precisely why the entrance does not feel like a staged postcard. The buildings shift with every movement of the yacht while ferries and other craft make their way through the lagoon. Cityscape and seamanship are part of the same experience.
Berthing opposite St Mark’s Square
Once HERA was secured, the perspective changed. The destination ahead became the skyline across the water. The crew attended to the yacht and then had time to take in the setting: a 50-foot yacht at the pontoon, with central Venice on the other side.
For this summer cruise, San Giorgio Maggiore was therefore more than a practical berth. It connected a careful arrival from the water with a Venice experience that began on board.
San Giorgio Maggiore changes the view of Venice
The berth at San Giorgio Maggiore brings two perspectives together. HERA remains a large cruising yacht with lines, systems and everyday life aboard; the historic skyline lies directly opposite. Venice is experienced from a floating home, with water routes, towers and changing light shaping the view across St Mark’s Basin.
San Giorgio Maggiore belongs to Venice’s southern waterfront. An official city itinerary links the island with the Giudecca and ends at the 75-metre campanile overlooking city and lagoon. The special position is already clear from the berth: St Mark’s Square lies directly across the Bacino di San Marco rather than somewhere within a distant urban fabric.
Frequently asked questions
What lies opposite St Mark's Square?
San Giorgio Maggiore, with its church and bell tower, defines the view across the water.
Why is the view from the water special?
Islands, shorelines and buildings appear together during the approach and change as the yacht moves.
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San Giorgio Maggiore with its church and bell tower seen from the water