St. Mark’s Basilica – Your guide to the majestic Venice Cathedral

Venice is known for its winding canals, romantic gondola rides, and the magnificent St. Mark’s Square, crowned by the Venice Cathedral, Basilica di San Marco.

This magnificent church, also known as the Basilica of St. Mark, is distinguished by its iconic cupolas rising majestically against Venice’s skyline. On the inside, St. Mark’s Basilica is even more impressive, filled with incredible history, art, and the famous Pala d’Oro.

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No wonder St. Mark’s Basilica & Campanile are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice, and it is definitely worth a visit. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your visit to the Venice Duomo.

Keep reading to find all the essential information you need for your visit, including details on tickets and the best San Marco Cathedral tours.

What is St. Mark’s Basilica and why visit

San Marco Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church located in the famous St. Mark’s Square in Venice. The Basilica is named after St. Mark, one of the twelve apostles and the patron saint of Venice.

Now, you must be wondering why St. Mark? Well, he symbolized strength and power, just like the Venetians liked it. Plus, the Gospel of Mark was a hit among the folks and who wouldn’t want a lion as their symbol?

But there was a catch – his remains were in Alexandria, Egypt. So, what did the Venetians do? They smuggled his remains into Venice… Talk about dedication!

Fast forward and the magnificent San Marco Cathedral was built to house St. Mark’s relics. With its opulent Byzantine architecture, golden mosaics, and marble floors, it was a fitting tribute to its beloved patron saint.

Over the years, it has been adorned with treasures from around the world, turning it into the splendid spectacle we see today. The moment you lay eyes on its spectacular interior, you’ll understand why it’s known as the ‘Church of gold.’

A trip to Venice without visiting St. Mark’s Basilica is like having a pizza without cheese. It’s unthinkable (at least in Italy)! This cathedral isn’t just a religious site; it’s a historical masterpiece that tells a thousand tales about Venice’s past and it is a testament to Venice’s artistic flair and grandeur.

Best Tours of St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most-visited sights in Venice, and an absolute must-see! But with a history that stretches all the way back to the 9th century A.D., it’s also a church with a lot of interesting stories and legends behind it, best discovered on a guided tour.

There’s no better way to explore the beauty of St. Mark Basilica in Venice then with a guided tour. A knowledgeable guide will explain the stories and symbolism behind the basilica’s embellishments and mosaics.

You can book a guided tour of the Basilica of San Marco only or one that also includes Doge’s Palace. There are also themed and special tours available. See the options below to find the best tour for you;

• St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Tour
• Afterhours Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
• Guided Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
• VIP Secret Itineraries Doges Palace Tour with St. Marks Basilica
• Gondola Ride and St Mark’s Basilica Tour

Planning Your Visit to the Basilica of St. Mark

For the best experience at St. Mark’s Basilica, it is highly recommended to book a guided tour. This way, you can eliminate the need for extensive planning and research, ensuring you see and understand everything while minimizing queue times.

However, if you prefer to explore the Basilica of St. Mark independently, here are some practical tips and information to help you plan your visit.

Location and How to Get There

The Basilica of St. Mark Venice is located in the heart of Venice on St. Mark’s Square, just next to Palazzo Ducale. It’s so central that you can easily reach it by foot, water bus, or for a more romantic approach, a gondola ride.

If you decide to walk, simply follow the abundant signs for ‘San Marco’.

For a quicker option, hop on a vaporetto to the San Marco stop. Most lines make a stop here, allowing easy access from any area of the city.

Alternatively, you can enjoy the convenience of a water taxi, which will drop you off at the edge of St. Mark’s Piazzetta.

Operating Hours

The Basilica in Venice is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm, and Sundays and holidays from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm. The last entry is at 5:00 pm!

Tickets

To ensure a smooth visit to St. Marks Basilica in Venice, it is crucial to book your tickets in advance. This renowned landmark attracts a large number of visitors, resulting in long waiting times. It is worth noting that the Basilica is divided into different sections, each requiring a separate entrance ticket.

To save time and avoid standing in line, it is recommended to purchase the Basilica San Marco skip-the-line tickets. This ticket grants access to the Pala D’Oro, the Museum – Loggia dei Cavalli, and the terrace, offering breathtaking views of St. Mark’s Square.

For the best value, consider the Venice Pass, which includes skip-the-line tickets for the Basilica of San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale, and a gondola ride.

Dress Code

When visiting the Cathedral of St. Mark in Venice dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.

How long does it take to visit St. Mark’s Basilica?

A typical visit takes about an hour, once you are inside Saint Mark’s Basilica (the line to enter can take a while).

Lines and crowds

Venice is known for ovetrourism and Saint Mark’s Piazza is the epicenter of the crowds. Whether it’s the Basilica or the Doge’s Palace, long queues are a common sight throughout the year, and peak during the summer months.

It is because of the crowds and queues that it is so important to book your tours and skip-the-line tickets well in advance.

If you haven’t secured a tour or skip-the-line tickets as recommended above, try to get in line well before the official opening time to minimize queuing. Pack some water, wear sunscreen, and take a big breath (or 50), you may face a wait of a few hours.

On sunny days, remember to wear a hat, comfortable shoes, and carry a bottle of water.

What to See Inside St. Mark’s Basilica

The San Marco Cathedral is a true visual masterpiece, adorned with majestic marble pillars, opulent golden mosaics, and exquisite intricate decorations.

St. Mark’s Basilica was once the vault of Venice. It safeguarded precious spoils, seized from the Muslims on the vast seas. Many of the statues, reliefs, and capitals within the church were seized from the East.

Pala D’Oro

The Pala d’Oro is an exquisite Byzantine altarpiece adorned with over 2,000 gems; 1,300 pearls, 300 emeralds, 300 sapphires, 400 garnets, 100 amethysts, as well as rubies and topazes. Talk about bling!

Crafted in Byzantium for the Doge Ordelaffo Falier back in 1102, this masterpiece became a show-stopping screen for the high altar by 1105. It’s definitely a must-see when visiting the church.

Fun fact: “Pala” comes from the Latin word “Palla” for cloth. Originally, the church used this cloth to adorn images of saints, but over time, they upgraded to gold and silver.

Depending on your ticket, you might have to drop a few extra coins to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Pala d’Oro. If you know you want to see it it’s best to purchase the full ticket ahead of time.

The Treasure Of St. Mark’s

The Treasure of St. Mark’s houses a myriad of priceless artifacts and exquisite masterpieces that have been amassed within the basilica over the ages. Ancient vases, amphorae, and bejeweled enameled glasses are elegantly showcased throughout the premises.

The most glamorous objects, as well as the majority of the collection, found their way to Venice following the conquest of Constantinople. Countless statues, reliefs, and capitals adorning the church were triumphantly seized from the East.

Golden Mosaics

Inside the basilica, an astounding 8,000 square meters (85,000 square feet) of mosaics adorn the walls, arches, columns, and magnificent domes. That’s the equivalent of 1.5 American football fields!

And guess what? This mosaic wonderland is made of real gold! Each tile is made of a gold leaf nestled between two layers of clear glass. You could spend hours gazing at the mesmerizing ceilings, feeling like you’re floating amidst the artistry.

Delving into the artwork, you’ll uncover stories from the Holy Bible, mythical tales, local legends, and captivating moments from the lives of the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and above all, St. Mark. The contrast between the vibrant ceilings and the darker marble floors symbolizes the stark difference between heavenly and earthly realms.

With such a grand display of precious materials, the Venetians showcased not only their devoutness but also their political prowess. Quite an impressive feat for a small country, don’t you think?

The Floor

While the golden mosaics are mesmerizing, don’t forget to look down. The floor itself is also a remarkable sight worth appreciating.

Covering an impressive area of 2,099 square meters (22,000 square feet), the marble tiles form an impressive display. The floor mosaics are a combination of Opus Sectile and Opus Tessallatums showcasing the remarkable skill of Venetian artists during the late Middle Ages.

For the enthusiasts among you, Opus Sectile involves the precise cutting of marble pieces to form elaborate geometric patterns. Opus Tessallatum entails the expert arrangement of tiny marble or glass pieces, depicting motifs or animal figures with great skill and artistry.

Tomb of St. Mark

Descending into the crypt beneath the basilica, you’ll discover the resting place of none other than St. Mark himself.

The original St. Mark’s Basilica was in fact constructed at this very site during the 9th century with the purpose of safeguarding his relics. These relics, however, had been stolen and smuggled into Venice!

In 828, merchants from Venice managed to steal the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist from Alexandria, Egypt. The daring escape involved concealing the sacred relics beneath layers of pork in barrels, successfully evading the watchful eyes of Muslim guards.

During their sea journey back, a fierce storm threatened to engulf the grave robbers and their invaluable cargo. Legend has it that St. Mark himself appeared to the ship’s captain, instructing him to lower the sails. Miraculously, the ship was saved from disaster, and the grateful merchants attributed their safety to St. Mark, the patron of Venice.

This story is depicted on the mosaic above the left door as you enter the basilica.

St. Mark’s Museum – Loggia dei Cavalli

The St. Mark’s Museum was established towards the end of the 19th century. As with most church museums, it houses various objects with origins in the church’s history.

The main attraction of the museum is the four gilded bronze horses that were originally displayed on the terrace. To ensure their preservation, they have been relocated inside the museum. This bronze chariot was acquired from Constantinople following the conquest of the city during the Fourth Crusade.

The St. Mark’s Museum also houses Persian rugs, religious garments, illuminated manuscripts featuring St. Mark liturgies, and remnants of ancient mosaics that were relocated during 19th-century restoration efforts.

When make your way upstairs to the museum, you’ll also be treated to a magnificent view of the interior of the basilica from the upper level.

Depending on the type of ticket you have, you might need to pay a surcharge for the museum. This fee includes admission to the terrace as well. If you know you want to see it it’s best to purchase the full ticket ahead of time. Don’t worry, it’s worth every penny!

The Basilica Terrace

To truly capture the breathtaking essence of Venice, make sure to experience the unparalleled view from the terrace. Stretching along the west and south façade, this vantage point offers a mesmerizing panorama.

Feast your eyes upon the enchanting St. Mark’s Square, the majestic bell tower, Torre dell’Orologio, the regal Doge’s Palace, and the serene Venetian lagoon.

Keep in mind that to access the terrace, you’ll need to pay for the museum entrance, regardless of whether you plan to explore the museum or not.

St. Mark’s Campanile

Rising nearly 100 meters high, the Campanile is the tallest structure in Venice offering a breathtaking view of Venice and its lagoon.

Although the tower collapsed in 1902, it was faithfully reconstructed maintaining its original design with improved construction techniques, and a lift for easy access.

Adorned with a spire that once acted as a lighthouse, the Campanile of St. Mark’s is a remarkable bell tower that served as the prototype for other bell towers in the Mediterranean.

As per usual, the entrance to the bell tower is extra.

History and Architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica

Completed in 1073, St Mark’s Basilica replaced the original church of the Doge’s Palace. This architectural marvel follows the Byzantine model, with a central Greek cross design adorned with five domes and vestibules. These five cupolas, symbolizing God’s presence, create a truly awe-inspiring sight.

However, building grand structures in Venice presents a challenge due to its delicate terrain. The Venetians ingeniously employed clever techniques to deceive the eye and create an illusion of grandeur. Despite their limitations, they succeeded in astonishing their guests.

The five prominent domes, which define the basilica’s distinctive shape, are actually wooden structures covered with a thin layer of lead. Remarkably, they are completely hollow. The true domes, crafted with bricks and adorned with mosaics, are much smaller and lower.

These empty domes serve a singular purpose: to make the building appear larger than it is. This visual trickery allowed approaching ships to recognize the magnificent structure from afar, intensifying their awe for the legendary city of Venice.