St. Mark's Basilica: A Venice's Heritage

When it comes to St Mark's Basilica Venice’s priceless treasures, the Pala d'Oro is unrivaled. This Byzantine altarpiece is a gold panel 3.45 meters in length and 1.4 meters in height that is encrusted with hundreds of gems, including 1,300 pearls, 300 emeralds, 300 sapphires, 400 garnets, 100 amethysts, rubies, and topazes. After Napoleon dishonestly stole several in 1797, security measures were strengthened and the gems are now kept under glass. This altar was designed and built by master goldsmiths from Venice and Constantinople. It features a Romanesque arch at the top and a Gothic arch at the bottom.

The St Mark's Basilica Venice’s treasury, which can be reached from the corner of the south transept, is located to the right of the main altar and houses priceless artifacts that have been acquired throughout the years. Items in the treasury can be found in four distinct groups: Items from antiquity and the early middle centuries, such as a pair of crystal lamps shaped like fish and a pair of amphorae fashioned from a single piece of agate.

Do Checkout: St. Mark's Basilica Sculptures

Following the conclusion of the Fourth Crusade in 1204, Venice saw an influx of valuable marbles from Constantinople. These marbles were carefully selected for their symbolic importance, unique qualities, and captivating colors during the construction of the st mark basilica. For instance, the crimson porphyry, known as the world's rarest gem and believed to hold divine favor, was highly revered. Consequently, it was specifically chosen for prominent features like the doge's tribune and the porphyry group of the Tetrarchs on the south front.

Must Checkout: Tours Of St. Mark's Basilica

In 1063, when the construction of the present basilica was initiated, the remains of the old church were utilized to create a crypt. This crypt now serves as the final resting place of St. Mark, and after extensive renovations to the basilica, it was reopened to the public in 1889. Recently, a British historian put forth a thought-provoking claim suggesting that the tomb beneath the presbytery, believed to belong to the renowned preacher, might actually contain the remains of Alexander the Great.

St Mark's Basilica Venice is a large church with three symmetrical facades that radiate out from its lower body in the directions of north, south, and west. The well-known Porta dei Fiori, also known as the Door of Flowers, is a Nativity relief from the 13th century that is located on the north facade overlooking Piazzetta dei Leoncini.

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St Mark's Basilica architecture is very fascinating and inside Basilica is home to more than 8,000 square meters of mosaics, most of which are made of gold, and were constructed over the course of 800 years. The gold background, lit exclusively from behind, not only provides an image that arrests the observer's senses but also adorns the scene with a wealth of Christian art symbolism.

Do Checkout: St. Mark's Square

St. Mark's Basilica's west facade can be seen from the outside and is composed of three distinct sections: the lower section, the top section, and the domes. The narthex can be accessed through one of five arched entrances located on the lower register and framed by polychrome marble columns.

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The basilica boasts five domes situated over the intersection and arms of the Greek cross. Each dome has a diameter of more than 13 meters and is adorned with 16 windows. Between 1160 and 1200 CE, captivating gold mosaics were meticulously installed inside these domes.

Recommended Reads: Facts About St. Mark's Basilica

Transept Chapels typically honor a specific saint. Several different chapels honor the Virgin Mary and other saints in St. Mark's Basilica. They can be found in the relatively brief extensions along the main dome’s sides. Above the north transept in the Cappella di San Giovanni are mosaics from the 12th century showing scenes from the life of St. John

Must Checkout: St. Mark's Basilica Terrace