Visit Saint-Marc horses are one of Venice's best-known statues.
For centuries, four horses have stood above the tourists in St. Mark's Basilica, around the square of the same name.
Today, I'm going to tell you more about the history of these horses.
Chevaux de Saint-Marc : article summary
Les chevaux de Saint-Marc: in brief
They're called bronze horses, but they're actually made of pure copper. If you look at them long enough, they almost seem real. Two horses look at each other as if they shared a secret. It's a miracle of time and circumstance that these horses exist today. We are able to admire their craftsmanship despite a long history of pillage and theft.
The story of Saint-Marc's horses
The story of the four horses is at the center of all stories in Venice. They may have been created by a very famous sculptor, Lyssippus, in the 4th century BC. However, recent studies suggest that the horses are of Roman origin.
If the age of the horses is not enough to produce a feeling of admirationThen the story of how they made their way from Constantinople to Venice will astonish you.
An origin much older than we think
Since the 9th century A.D., and probably well before, horses have stood atop the Constantinople racecourse. In 1204 CE, Constantinople was sacked by the Crusaders and many treasures, including the four horses, were shipped to Western Europe. From 1204 CE, these four beautiful horses adorned the terrace of the Saint Mark's Basilica.
Napoleon's arrival in Venice
In 1797, Napoleon decided he wanted the horses of Saint-Marc and took them to Paris. They were returned to Venice shortly afterwards in 1815. There, they stood on the terrace until the 1980s. However, they were moved inside the basilica to save them from pollution.
Today, you can see the replicas on the terrace, but the real treasure lies inside. The horses stand guard and appear to be in motion, caracoling towards visitors to greet them.
Saint Mark's Basilica: a place filled with art
The absolute jewel of this church is the gilded mosaics, more than 8,000 square meters of which cover the walls, ceilings and domes! They depict stories from the Bible, allegorical figures and events from the lives of Christ, the Virgin Mary and San Marco, among others.
You can't miss the Pala d'Oro. This is an impressive altarpiece featuring magnificent gems and gold. It is still in its original place behind the high altar, where San Marco's sarcophagus also stands.
Finally, there's San Marco's treasure room, where you'll find 283 pieces of gold, silver, diamonds and other precious materials. These were taken here during the Fourth Crusade.
In all cases, climb the stairs until you reach the Loggia dei Cavalli. Here you can see the Quadriga, four beautiful bronze horses, but you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Mark's Square.
All you need to know about visiting Saint Mark's Basilica
The Basilica di San Marco is one of the most beautiful sights in Venice, and a must-see. you shouldn't miss it during your visit to La Serenissima. First of all, please note that you must dress appropriately: no short shorts or bare shoulders. The use of cameras and movie cameras is forbidden and visits to the basilica are limited to ten minutes at peak times.
It's a very popular attraction, so you may have to wait a few hours to get in. If you don't want to wait and at the same time learn more about the basilica, I recommend to buy special tickets. These cost just €32 per person and can be used for can be booked on the official website. You can also opt for our more attractive offers, available via the link below.
The horses of Saint Mark's are a real treasure that you absolutely must see during your visit to Venice. You can also admire all the other buildings in the vicinity of St. Mark's. place Saint-Marc. Enough to bring together all visits in a single trip.
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