St Mark's Basilica Facts

St Mark's Basilica's history is very fascinating dating back to the 9th century. It was built to house the remains of St Mark, who is the patron saint of Venice. The original church was destroyed by fire, and the current basilica was built in the 11th century. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous renovations and modifications, but its original Byzantine architecture remains intact.

The architecture of St Mark's Basilica is a beautiful example of the Byzantine style. The building's facade is adorned with intricate sculptures and mosaics, and the interior is covered in gold leaf and beautiful frescoes. The basilica also features a central dome that is decorated with mosaics depicting scenes from the life of Christ.

One of the most famous St Mark's Basilica facts is that the building's facade features four bronze horses. The St. Mark's Basilica horses were originally part of a chariot that stood on top of the Hippodrome in Constantinople. The horses were brought to Venice as a trophy of war in the 13th century and have been a symbol of Venice's wealth and power ever since.

The Pala d'Oro in St. Mark's Basilica is a gold altarpiece that is adorned with precious stones and gems. It is one of the finest examples of Byzantine goldsmithing and is considered a masterpiece of the art form. The altarpiece is located behind the high altar and is used during special religious ceremonies.

The bell tower of St Mark's Basilica is one of the tallest structures in Venice, standing at over 98 meters tall. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city.

The mosaics of St Mark's Basilica are some of the most beautiful and intricate examples of Byzantine art in the world. The mosaics cover the walls and ceilings of the basilica and depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints.

St Mark's Basilica is home to numerous chapels and tombs, including the tomb of St Mark, the patron saint of Venice. The tomb is located in the basilica's crypt and is considered one of the most important religious relics in Italy.

St Mark's Basilica is an important part of the Carnivale celebrations in Venice. During this time, the basilica is decorated with colorful banners and masks, and visitors can attend special religious services and concerts.