St. Mark's Basilica Tours

St. Mark\'s Basilica showing heritage architecture


Gilded mosaics, a jewel-encrusted screen and magnificent Byzantine architecture make this cathedral one of the most stunning attractions in Venice.

Approach St. Mark’s Square from any angle and, on a fine day, you’ll see the golden spires of St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica San Marco) glimmer in the sunlight. This is why the locals call this the Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold). As you get closer, you’ll see the many sculptures, reliefs and mosaics of the ornate facade. This church is a spectacular example of Byzantine architecture.

Before you enter, stop to admire the Romanesque carvings that adorn the arches around the central doorway, or “portal.” The middle arch has allegorical figures of the months and signs of the zodiac, while the outer arches depict Venetian trades. Above the portal to the left is the mosaic The Translation of the Body of St. Mark to the Basilica, which tells of when the evangelist’s remains were stolen from Alexandria and relocated here in 828.

Pass through the bronze doors into the narthex (vestibule), where the scenes from the Old Testament are the oldest mosaics in the church. Prepare to be dazzled as you make your way into the basilica’s main space, in the shape of a Greek cross. Over 86,000 square feet (8,000 square meters) of mosaics with 24-carat gold inlays cover the interior, from floor to ceiling. Some of the most popular depictions are the Apostles with the Madonna beside the main door, and the Ascension in the central dome.

At the back of the church, see the most valuable of its treasures. Behind the altar, which contains the remains of St. Mark, is the Pala d’Oro (the Golden Altar Panel). It is studded with thousands of precious stones, including rubies, emeralds and pearls, and inlayed with images of saints.

In the treasury you can see numerous examples of items looted from Venetian crusades to Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). It also contains relics of several different saints, including what is said to be a lock of the Virgin Mary’s hair.

St. Mark’s Basilica is open daily, with reduced hours on Sundays. Entry is free, but for some areas, such as the treasury, a small fee applies. In April through October, free guided tours are available every day except Sundays and national holidays.

Reviews of St. Mark's Basilica

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 72.81314168377824%
4 - Good
547
" "4 - Good 22.46406570841889%
3 - Okay
103
" "3 - Okay 4.229979466119096%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0.36960985626283366%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0.12320328542094455%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We did the night tour of the Basilica and Doge's Palace. Beautiful and peaceful. No crowds. Recommend it! The daytime is very busy and congested.

4/5 - Good

Chicago

Even though it can be warm and muggy on summer days, you will be rewarded if you go upstairs and to the back. There it is air conditioned and there are vending machines selling assorted drinks so one can refresh.

3/5 - Okay

Lisa

Visit early before tourists arrive.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We purchased a walking tour of the city so they already had our entrance tickets and the staff there removed a barrier to let us right in cutting ahead of 100's of people standing in line with tickets. They give preference to their local tour guides. We used Walks of Italy and our guide was a lady who lived in Venice all her life and was such an excellent guide, her name was Elisabetta.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered, otherwise you have to pay for a bag to cover yourself.

3/5 - Okay

Freschie

skip the queue/line for $3 per person by booking a timed entry in advance. Be aware that once you enter there are additional "paid" entrances and queues. Not worth it. Do not get in an additional line. Just take your time exploring - you can see the golden altar without standing in line and paying another $3 per person.

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