San Polo is the smallest of the six sestieri of Venice. It is one of the oldest parts of the city, settled before the ninth century, when together with St. Mark, they formed part of the Realtine Islands.

In the earliest historical period of Venice, the area that is now occupied by the Santa Croce and San Polo sestieri comprised one large area called Luprio, which served as the salt mines for the city. The current sestiere gets its name from its most important church, the church of St. Paul the Apostle, San Polo to Venetians.

The district has been the site of Venice's main market since 1097, and has been connected to the right bank of the city by the Rialto Bridge since the thirteenth century. The western part of the quarter is now known for its churches, while the eastern part, sometimes just called Rialto, is known for its palaces and smaller houses.

Attractions in San Polo include the Rialto Bridge, the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto (according to legend, the oldest in the city), the Campo San Polo, the House of Goldoni, the Church of St. Mary of the Friars (Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari), the Church of San Rocco and the Great School di San Rocco.