St. Mark's Basilica Facades

St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and a symbol of the city's wealth and power during the Middle Ages. One of the most striking highlights of the basilica are its three facades, each with its own unique style and history. The oldest and most famous is the Byzantine-style eastern facade, which was constructed in the 11th century and features five domes and intricate stone carvings.


The gothic-style western facade, built in the 14th century, features a large rose window and an ornate portal decorated with biblical scenes. The Renaissance-style southern facade was added in the 15th century and boasts a grand staircase and elegant decorations. Each of these facades reflects the influence of the different architectural styles that have shaped the history of Venice, making St. Mark's Basilica a true masterpiece of art and architecture.

North Facade
North Facade

The North Facade of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy is a stunning work of art and architecture. The facade features five ornate portals, each adorned with intricate sculptures, carvings, and mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of various saints. The central portal is the largest and most elaborate, with a stunning mosaic of Christ as the Judge of the World above the arch. The facade also features a series of ornate marble columns and intricate decorative elements, all of which come together to create a striking example of Byzantine and Gothic architecture. The North Facade of St. Mark's Basilica is truly a masterpiece of art and engineering, and it continues to inspire awe and wonder in visitors from all over the world.


Do Checkout: About St. Mark's Basilica

The Gothic Crowning
The Gothic Crowning

The Gothic crowning of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy is an impressive architectural element of the church. It is a series of five ornate pinnacles, also known as spires, that rise above the central dome of the basilica. Each pinnacle is decorated with intricate Gothic-style sculptures, carvings, and reliefs, depicting various biblical and religious scenes. The crowning was added to the basilica in the 14th century as part of a renovation project and has since become a defining feature of the church's iconic skyline. The Gothic crowning is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the architects and artists who worked on the basilica over the centuries.

The South Facade
The South Facade

The South Facade of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy is a stunning example of Byzantine and Gothic architecture. The facade features three ornate portals, each adorned with intricate sculptures, carvings, and mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of various saints. The central portal is the largest and most elaborate, with a stunning mosaic of the Virgin Mary and Child above the arch. The facade also features a series of ornate marble columns and intricate decorative elements. The South Facade is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the architects and artists who worked on the basilica, and it remains a beloved landmark in Venice today.


Must Read: Tips To Visit St. Mark's Basilica

The West Facade
The West Facade

The West Facade of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy is a striking example of Byzantine and Gothic architecture. The facade features two ornate portals, each decorated with intricate sculptures, carvings, and mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of various saints. The central portal is larger and more elaborate, with a stunning mosaic of St. Mark the Evangelist above the arch. The facade also features a series of ornate marble columns and intricate decorative elements, making it a breathtaking sight for visitors to behold. The West Facade is one of the many features that make St. Mark's Basilica an iconic and beloved landmark in Venice.


Also Explore: Inside St. Mark's Basilica

The Main Portal
The Main Portal

The Main Portal of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy is the largest and most ornate of the basilica's entrances. It is located on the West Facade and features a stunning array of sculptures, mosaics, and carvings depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of various saints. The central focus of the portal is a magnificent mosaic of St. Mark the Evangelist, flanked by two imposing statues of St. Theodore and St. George. The Main Portal is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the architects and artists who worked on St. Mark's Basilica, and it remains one of the most iconic features of the landmark to this day.


Suggested Reads: St. Mark's Basilica Paintings

The Quadriga
The Quadriga

The Quadriga of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy is a set of four gilded bronze horses that stand on the terrace above the Main Portal. The horses were originally brought to Venice from Constantinople during the 13th century as a symbol of Venetian power and prestige. Today, the Quadriga remains one of the most iconic features of St. Mark's Basilica, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to marvel at its exquisite detail and grandeur. The horses are an enduring symbol of Venice's rich cultural heritage and a testament to the enduring legacy of St. Mark's Basilica as one of the world's most remarkable landmarks.


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St. Mark's Basilica Ticket Deals

St Mark's Basilica: Entry Tickets
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St Marks Basilica Entry Tickets
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Starts at
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Highlights
  • Explore the famous St. Mark’s Basilica and wonder at its majestic architecture

  • Be amazed by biblical depictions made from golden mosaics over an area of 8,000 square meters

  • Stroll around this millennia-old cathedral and admire the beauty of 5 domes of St. Mark’s Basilica

  • Learn about the artwork, history and significance of St. Mark’s Basilica with help of a guide

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Must Know Before You Go
  • The activity is not suitable for people with back problems.
  • The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
  • The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Please wear comfortable shoes.
  • All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details upon arrival.
  • ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest upon arrival.
  • You cannot enter the basilica with luggage (there is a Luggage Storage in Piazzetta dei Leoncini, a few metres from the Basilica).
  • Shorts, short skirts, sleeveless clothing not allowed on the activity.
  • Please bring your own earphones and a fully charged smartphone.
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St Mark's Basilica - Bell Tower Access: Skip-the-line Tickets
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St Marks Basilica Bell Tower Access Skip The Line Tickets
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Starts at
16.13
Saving 7%
15.07
/per adult
Highlights
  • Explore the famous St. Mark’s Basilica and wonder at its majestic architecture

  • Be amazed by biblical depictions made from golden mosaics over an area of 8,000 square meters

  • Stroll around this millennia-old cathedral and admire the beauty of 5 domes of St. Mark’s Basilica

  • Learn about the artwork, history and significance of St. Mark’s Basilica with help of a guide

Scroll down to read more
Must Know Before You Go
  • The activity is not suitable for people with back problems.
  • The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
  • The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Please wear comfortable shoes.
  • All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details upon arrival.
  • ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest upon arrival.
  • You cannot enter the basilica with luggage (there is a Luggage Storage in Piazzetta dei Leoncini, a few metres from the Basilica).
  • Shorts, short skirts, sleeveless clothing not allowed on the activity.
  • Please bring your own earphones and a fully charged smartphone.
Scroll down to read more

FAQ's

How many facades are there in St. Mark's Basilica?

    St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy has 6 facades, each facade has its unique features, including sculptures, mosaics, and carvings, that depict scenes from the Bible, the lives of saints, and historical events. The facades are also notable for their architectural styles, with the West Facade being predominantly Romanesque, the North Facade exhibiting a mix of Byzantine and Gothic elements, and the South Facade being primarily Gothic in style. Together, the facades of St. Mark's Basilica are a testament to the skill and creativity of the architects and artists who designed and built the basilica, making it one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

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