In this article, I present Saint Mark's Basilica the most important religious building in Venice.
Here you'll find
- Information about the basilica
- What the guided tour ticket includes and how much it costs
- Other monuments you'll visit along the way
- Things to do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about St Mark's Basilica in Venice, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Saint Mark's Basilica: article summary
Saint Mark's Basilica, Venice's most important religious building
Saint Mark's Basilica was built in 868next to the Doges' Palace on the Place St Marc of Venice. First destroyed by fire in 976, it was rebuilt on the ruins of the old one, and vestiges of the first building can still be seen.
It was built to accommodate the relics of the evangelist St. Markbrought from Alexandria by Venetian merchants. Doge Giustiniano Participazio's stated ambition was to make it a building capable of rivaling St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Since 1807, it has been the cathedral of the patriarch of Venice.
During a stay in VeniceYou won't want to miss this iconic basilica. It is Venice's most important religious building and an architectural marvel that combines Gothic and Renaissance styles with Islamic and Byzantine inspirations.
In fact, its 76.5 m long and 62.6 m wide Greek cross plan reproduces that of Byzantine buildings, especially that of the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. It has 5 domes, and Byzantine and then Gothic additions were made in the 13th and 14th centuries.
The a jewel to discover for anyone who comes to do tourism in Venice !
The exterior of Saint Mark's Basilica
Its richly decorated facade, with materials from far-off lands, striking colors and antique columns, is a real trip out of Italy.
Here you can see numerous sculptures from various periodsThese include four gilded copper horses - copies, as the originals are inside the Saint Mark's Museum - brought back from Constantinople in 1204.
Outside, you'll also find the Campanilewhich is the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica, and the tallest building in Venice at 100 meters. And you can visit the Logettalocated at the foot of the Campanile, which originally served as a meeting room for the Venetian patriarchate.
Inside St Mark's Basilica
The ground is covered with decorative mosaics when walls and ceilings are covered with incredible mosaics on a gold backgroundThis is why the basilica is sometimes referred to as the Golden Basilica. They cover a total surface area of 4,240 m², making it one of the largest mosaic ensembles in the world.
Through its mosaics, you'll discover the history of the Catholic Church and the highlights of life in the Serenissima at the time. You'll also see the Pala d'Oroan exceptionally decorated altarpiece containing 1,927 precious stones.
The basilica features several relics and tombsThe main attraction is the sarcophagus of Saint Mark. As for my favorite part, it's the nave and the 14 statues of the apostles and the Virgin Mary by Masegne slab.
It's impossible not to be blown away by so many treasures and exceptional works of art, making this visit an unforgettable experience. a must in Venice. To make the most of it, without wasting any time, there's a Pass that I've listed below.
What's included in the ticket for Saint Mark's Basilica?
To get the most out of St. Mark's Basilica, it's a good idea to opt for a guided tour.
Not only will you avoid long waiting girls to enter the Basilica with this ticket, but you'll also benefit from the expertise of a professional guide who will show you around the Basilica and nearby monuments with anecdotes and historical facts and construction information.
This complete Pass allows you to :
- Take advantage 2-hour guided tour in French
- Enter in priority in St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Procuraties and St Mark's Museum
- Go to on the roof terrace the basilica
- Discover the interior of these buildings, visit the prisons of the Doges' palace and the bridge of sighs
While admission to the Basilica is free, the annexes, museums, Pala d'Oro, the Logetta and the campanile are subject to a charge. This ticket allows you to no queuing and enjoy the major sights of St. Mark's Square, stress-free!
Good to know St. Mark's Basilica is an activity included in the Venice PassWe're offering you the chance to take part in 4 tours at reduced prices.
How do I get to Saint Mark's Basilica?
Saint Mark's Basilica is located at the following address: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venice. However, you will meet your guide at the meeting point (Meeting Point) in front of the wooden newsstand, at the address Calle Larga de l'Ascension, Saint Mark's Square (opposite the Post Office).
- On foot, to St. Mark's Square, an obligatory stopover during your stay.
- Visit vaporetto (1 or 2), get off at Vallessero stop
Saint Mark's Basilica: prices, reservations, opening hours, practical information
Here's what you need to know before visiting Saint Mark's Basilica, to make the most of your visit.
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket (over 15): 90 euros
- Children's ticket (6 to 14 years): 80 euros
- Free for 0- 5 year olds
Reservations are compulsory, and allow you to choose the time and day of your visit. Book online to receive your tickets immediately on your mobile devices. All you have to do is present them at the meeting point.
Opening hours
Guided tours are available from Monday to Saturday, at 10:45 a.m. or 2:15 p.m.. On Sundays, you can take part at 2.15pm only.
St Mark's Basilica opening hours
- Summer period (April 16 to October 28): 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and public holidays
- Winter period (October 29 to April 15): 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sundays and public holidays
Note that religious holidaysIn the case of special events, times may be altered and/or access to the basilica may be restricted.
Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before closing time.
Useful info
Bulky luggage is not permitted on the tour.
What's more, you'll need to cover your shoulders and knees to enter St Mark's Basilica.
What to see and do in the area?
There's plenty to do around St. Mark's Square and the Basilica. Here are a few suggestions:
- Visit the Doge's Palaceemblematic of Venice
- Discover the Napoleonic Wings in St Mark's Square
- Longer the Grand Canal for a walk full of charm
- Take a tour of gondola in Venice
- Discover the Venice opera house, the Teatro della Fenice (le théâtre du Fénix)aptly named as it was destroyed by 3 fires and rebuilt each time
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
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