St Mark's Basilica Opening Hours

St Mark's Basilica Opening Hours: Detailed Guide

St. Mark's Basilica, also known as Basilica di San Marco, is a famous church located in the heart of Venice, Italy. It is considered one of the most beautiful and impressive examples of Byzantine architecture in the world. The basilica was originally built in the 9th century AD to house the remains of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice. It was rebuilt in the 11th century and expanded over time, with the addition of ornate mosaics, sculptures, and other decorative elements.

The exterior of the basilica is adorned with intricate marble and gold decorations, including the famous four bronze horses that were brought to Venice from Constantinople in the 13th century. The interior is equally impressive, with a breathtaking collection of mosaics, paintings, and sculptures that span centuries of art history.

Today, St. Mark's Basilica remains an important religious and cultural site, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is also an important symbol of the power and wealth of the Venetian Republic, which ruled over much of the Mediterranean region for centuries.

The Basilica

St. Mark's Basilica is open year-round from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. However, from April 16 to October 28, it remains open until 4:30 PM on Sundays and public holidays, while from October 29 to April 15, it's open until 5 PM. Visitors should note that the last admission time is 15 minutes before closing. The basilica's opening hours may change during religious holidays, such as Easter and Christmas, so it's advisable to be updated with the timings if you are planning your visit to St. Mark's Basilica.

Also Checkout St. Mark's Basilica Chapels

The Museum

St. Mark's Basilica houses a museum with a collection of historic artifacts and artworks. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9:35 AM to 4:45 PM. On Sundays and public holidays, it is open from 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM. Visitors should note that the last admission time is 15 minutes before closing. The museum may have different opening hours during religious holidays, so it's recommended to check the official website for any changes or closures.

Explore St. Mark's Basilica Facades

The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower at St. Mark's Basilica is open every day, Monday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 9:15 PM. The last admission time is 8:45 PM, and tickets cost 10 €, while children up to 6 years of age can enter for free. However, adverse weather conditions, such as fog, strong wind, or intense cold, may result in the closure of the bell tower. It is advisable for the visitors to be updated with the closure of the bell tower due to weather conditions.

Also, Know about St. Mark's Basilica Mosaics

St. Mark's Basilica Mass Timings

The canon of the Chapter of St. Mark's usually conducts Mass and other services at the Basilica. However, during the main solemnities of the liturgical year, the Patriarch of Venice presides over these events.

Also, check out St. Mark's Basilica dress code before you plan your St. Mark's Basilica visit

Monday To Saturday Morning (At The Altar Of The Nicopeia)

Sunday And Holy Days Of Obligation (In The Nave)

8:00 am: Morning Prayer and Mid-Morning Prayer (in the Chancel)

8:30 am: Mass

10:00: Mass

17:00 (Tuesday): Eucharistic Adoration

17:45: Evening Prayer and Office of Readings (in the Chancel)

18:25: Rosary

18:45: Mass

Also, check out facts about St. Mark's Basilica

08:30 am: Mass

10:00 am: Solemn Mass (sung by the ‘Cappella Marciana’ choir)

12:00 pm: Mass (“Organ Mass”)

05:45 pm: Evening Prayer, Eucharistic Blessing, and Procession to the Nicopeia

18:45 pm: Mass

Also, read St. Mark's Basilica's history

Know Before You Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Location: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

How To Reach:

By Ferry: To reach St. Mark's Basilica from Rialto Bridge, take a short 3-minute walk via Riva del Ferro and Riva del Carbon to Rialto "B" jetty. From there, board an ACTV S.p.a-run ferry on Line 1 and get off at S. Marco-San Zaccaria "F" stop. After alighting, walk straight and take a left at Riva Degli Schiavoni. The Basilica is just 380 meters away from the ferry stop. If you are traveling from Piazzale Roma, take water bus line 1 or direct lines 51 & 2 to reach St. Mark's Basilica.

By Train: Venice is well connected to other major Italian cities by train, with the closest railway station being Santa Lucia. From Santa Lucia, it is just a short 3-minute drive to Piazzale Roma. Once you reach Piazzale Roma, you can then transfer to a water-bus line to reach your destination, including St. Mark's Basilica or other parts of Venice.

By Car: To reach Venice from nearby cities like Verona or Padua, you can take the road SR11 which leads to Piazzale Roma. Once you reach Piazzale Roma, you can park your vehicle in the designated parking lot and take a water bus to St. Mark's Basilica.

FAQs

What is special about St. Mark's Basilica?

St. Mark's Basilica is one of the most famous and beautiful churches in the world, located in the heart of Venice, Italy. It is known for its impressive Byzantine architecture, including its domes, mosaics, and marble decorations. St. Mark's Basilica's architecture is adorned with intricate mosaics, gold leaf, and precious stones, making it a breathtaking sight for visitors. It is also home to many valuable treasures and relics, including the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist, which were brought to the Basilica in the 9th century.

How old is St. Mark's Basilica?

St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, was originally constructed in the 9th century AD. However, the current structure of the basilica dates back to the 11th century AD, with subsequent renovations and additions over the centuries. So, the age of St. Mark's Basilica can be said to be over a thousand years old.

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

The best time to visit St. Mark's Basilica is in the early morning or late afternoon, outside of peak tourist hours. This will help you avoid long lines and crowds. Additionally, visiting during the off-season (October to April) can also be a good idea to avoid large crowds.

Who was St. Mark?

St. Mark was one of the four Evangelists who wrote the second Gospel in the New Testament. He was a disciple of Jesus and is believed to have been the founder of the Church of Alexandria. According to tradition, he was martyred in Alexandria and his remains were later transferred to Venice.

How many tourists visit St. Mark's Basilica each year?

On average, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, attracts around 2.5 million visitors per year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The basilica's intricate mosaics, unique architecture, and historical significance draw visitors from all over the world.