St. Mark's Basilica Highlights

Located in the heart of Saint Mark's Square, the magnificent multi-domed Basilica San Marco is not only one of Italy's most gorgeous cathedrals but also one of Venice's most popular tourist destinations. Saint Mark's Basilica is a perfect representation of the Venetian style, incorporating elements of Western European, Byzantine, and Islamic architecture that all link to Venice's history as a significant maritime power. It is the Patriarchal Cathedral Church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice, and In 828 AD, it was built by the Doge, one of the most well-liked Venetian leaders, near the Palazzo Ducale. The dazzling mosaics and embellishments present inside St. Mark's Basilica cover more than 8,000 square meters of this Italo-Byzantine and Gothic cathedral.


You can have a guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica, which is home to some of Venice's most priceless artworks and treasures, either alone or with a small group. Located in the heart of one of Venice's oldest and most famous squares, the St. Mark's Basilica is hemmed in on three sides by the Grand Canal. The Campanile di San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, the Palace of the Golden Horse, and the Doge's Palace are all quite close to the Basilica. Touring the major attractions within and surrounding the Basilica complex adds depth to the visit. Those interested in art or history will enjoy the collections housed in the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and can learn about St. Mark's Basilica.

North and South Facades
North and South Facades

The south facade inside St. Mark's Basilica was supposed to serve as a grand ceremonial entrance overlooking the lagoon until it was walled in 1503. Despite the Doge's Palace blocking a large portion of the view from the Grand Canal, its facade is nonetheless impressive. Artistic touches like sculptures and mosaics are present inside St. Mark's Basilica and decorate it magically. Observe the Byzantine mosaic of the Virgin from the 13th century that was installed between the upper floor's arches, and don't miss the two griffins in the first arch. Two marble pilasters (Pilastri Acritani) flank the entrance, adorned with exquisite sixth-century reliefs. The Porta dei Fiori, also known as the Door of Flowers, can be found on the building's north facade, facing the Piazzetta dei Leoncini. It features a stunning relief of the Nativity from the 13th century, surrounded by angels, prophets, and flourishing plants.


Must Read: St. Mark's Basilica History

Porch and Gallery
Porch and Gallery

The narthex (entrance porch) of St. Mark's, like those of all Byzantine basilicas, serves as a sort of foyer before stepping inside the main church itself. Except for a St. Mark mosaic added to the vaulting in 1545, all of the mosaics in its domes and arches date from the 13th century. From right to left, they depict the Creation, the murder of Abel by Cain, the building of the Ark by Noah, the confusion at Babel, and the patriarchs Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. All three of the St. Mark's Basilica entrances are framed by carved marble columns with elaborate capitals dating back to the sixth to ninth centuries. A gallery overlooking Piazza San Marco inside St. Mark's Basilica may be found above the narthex, where the four bronze horses were displayed until 1981.


Suggested Read: St. Mark's Basilica Architecture

Interior and Mosaics
Interior and Mosaics

The mosaics in St. Mark's Basilica are the first thing you'll see, and they'll steal your breath away, but it's nearly impossible to pick a single highlight from this treasure-filled basilica. When taken along with the church's overall design, they create an appearance of Byzantine architecture, despite the interior's eclectic blend of classical and nineteenth-century styles. Byzantine doctrine divides a church's structure and purpose into earthly and heavenly parts; the dome over St. Mark's, made of small coloured glass pieces and gold leaf, is a shining example of this principle. The five domes, supported by massive pillars, measure about 13 metres in diameter and have 16 skylights. Basilica d'Oro, or Golden Basilica, gets its common name from the lavish gold mosaics that adorn the domes, a sum of 4,240 square metres.


Do Checkout: Tips To Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Pala d'Oro
Pala d'Oro

It is easy to see why the golden retable in San Marco is regarded as one of the finest examples of Byzantine ecclesiastical art. At 3.45 metres in length and 1.45 metres in height, it is undoubtedly one of Europe's most impressive altarpieces. The round gold and enamel plates around the edge are the earliest parts. The artwork is a combination of the work of Venetian and Constantinople artisans and mixes elaborate goldwork with enamelled medallions showing the lives of Christ, St. Mark, and other biblical subjects. Over the course of 500 years, various features were added inside St. Mark's Basilica.


Also Explore: St. Mark's Basilica Paintings

Inlaid Marble Floor
Inlaid Marble Floor

Following the principles of Byzantine church design, St. Mark's crafted a floor that emphasizes earthly solidarity to complement the domes and ceiling's depiction of the heavenly realm. Over 2,099 square meters of marble, inlay are covered in elaborate geometrical and natural designs, all in warm earth tones. Even though the St. Mark's Basilica floor is predominantly geometric, it is brightened with elaborate animal and floral motifs carved from small bits of marble or even glass. It is speculated that the floor's creators, like the mosaicists who worked above them, were Greek or Constantinople natives.


Recommended Read: St. Mark's Basilica Facts

Transept Chapels
Transept Chapels

Chapels honoring the Virgin Mary and other saints are housed inside St. Mark's Basilica‘s short arms, which extend from each side of the main dome. The Gothic altar sculptures and 15th-century mosaic vaulting in Cappella della Madonna dei Máscoli. The remains of Sant'Isidoro are housed in a wall tomb in the chapel, which is also ornamented with mosaics from the middle of the 14th century. Cappella della Madonna Nicopeia is located on the north side of the transept, and its altar is where the magnificent Byzantine image of the Madonna Nicopeia may be seen. Formerly the Doge's chapel, Cappella di San Clemente can be found in the south transept and features a wall of columns from the 14th century, as well as a mosaic depicting St. Clement from the 12th century, in the apse.


Also Checkout: Bell Tower At St. Mark's Basilica

Rood-Screen and Sanctuary
Rood-Screen and Sanctuary

An ornate rood screen separates the choir from the nave. From 1394 to 1404, Jacopello and Pierpaolo dalle Masegne created the silver Crucifix and figures of the Madonna, St. Mark, and the Apostles that adorn the lectern. Traditional public introductions of the newly elected Doge took place from the right-hand pulpit. Jacopo Sansovino spent 1537–1541 casting bronze reliefs depicting episodes from the life of St. Mark, whose remains are kept at the High Altar. Three hundred and twenty-four reliefs depicting events from the lives of Jesus and Mary adorn the four columns that support the ciborium, the architectural canopy just above the altar.


You May Also Like: St. Mark's Basilica Altar

Treasury
Treasury

The Venetians returned with a treasure trove of artifacts from Constantinople in 1204. These can be viewed in the Treasury, which is accessible from the south transept's corner. Even after Napoleon's looting and the selling of certain gems to pay for the necessary renovation of the cathedral in the early 1800s, the church's treasury still contains 283 pieces of gold, silver, and other valuable materials, making it one of the most important and richest in Europe. One hundred and ten Byzantine reliquaries, made between the 11th and 13th centuries and adorned with valuable stones, were found among the loot from Constantinople. Later additions from popes, European lords, or doges supplement the collections with donations of gold and silver Byzantine icons, glassware, chalices, Venetian filigree, enameled goldwork, Islamic art, and more.


Must Checkout: Ways To Reach St. Mark's Basilica

Museo Marciano
Museo Marciano

A little door near the church's main entrance leads to the Marciano Museum, where the originals of the four iconic horses of St. Mark's Basilica originally stood in the gallery above the main entrance are on display. These gilded copper horses have seen quite the world: they were part of the war booty stolen from Constantinople, then robbed again by Napoleon, then returned to the gallery, and were ultimately transferred here for preservation. Other highlights include a gorgeous cover for the Pala d'Oro created in 1345 by Paolo Veneziano and his sons depicting scenes from the life of St. Mark, and excellent Gobelin tapestries from the 13th to 16th centuries.


Must Explore: St. Mark's Basilica Sculptures

St. Mark's Basilica Ticket Deals

St Mark's Basilica: Entry Tickets
i4.5 Stars| Rated By 39+ Customers
St Marks Basilica Entry Tickets
highlightGuide
highlightMobile Voucher
View More Details
Starts at
12.63
Saving 1%
12.5
/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
St Mark's Basilica - Bell Tower Access: Skip-the-line Tickets
i4.5 Stars| Rated By 39+ Customers
St Marks Basilica Bell Tower Access Skip The Line Tickets
highlightGuide
highlightMobile Voucher
View More Details
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

What to see at St. Mark’s Basilica?

    At Saint Mark's Basilica, you may view the Pala d'Oro, a Byzantine altarpiece panel of gold set with hundreds of gems, including 400 garnets,300 emeralds, 300 sapphires, 100 amethysts, 1,300 pearls, and topazes. At the Treasury section, you may see the masterpieces of Byzantine goldsmiths, such as cloisonné enamelled chalices and two movable icons of the Archangel Michael, as well as St. Mark's tomb, which is located in this crypt.

    Also Explore: Terrace At St. Mark's Basilica

What is the best time to visit St. Mark's Basilica?

Is there a dress code in St. Mark's Basilica?

What time does San Marco Basilica open?

When was Basilica built?

Can you take photos inside St Mark's Basilica?

How big is St Mark's Basilica?

Explore St. Mark's Basilica