About St. Mark’s Basilica Venice
Built in 829, the church of gold, St Mark's Basilica, is designed in Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic styles and has a multitude of domes. This treasure chest of wonders, located at the eastern end of St. Mark's square replaced the previous cathedral of San Pietro di Castello as the episcopal seat of the Patriarch of Venice in 1807. This fascinating fusion of Architecture and art styles is an evidence of the affluence and strength of the Serene Republic of Venice as well as its citizens who served as traders and conquistadors in the Mediterranean. St Mark’s Basilica is surely a glorious delight to the wandering soul of a history buff and an admirer of the artwork that trails the stories of the great church built over decades.
Plan Your Visit
Opening Hours: St. Mark's Basilica opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM for visitors, from Monday to Saturday.
-
Tourists are welcomed from 2 PM on Sundays and other holy days of obligation.
-
Loggia dei Cavalli, the museum, is open on Sundays from 9:30 AM to 2 PM.
-
The Bell Tower is open every day from 9:30 a.m. until 9:15 p.m.
-
You can use the Porta dei Fiori entry on the north side of Piazzetta dei Leoncini to enter the church. Every day, prayers begin at 8 AM and end at 7:30 PM.
-
St. Mark's Basilica opening hours are till 4:30 PM on Sundays and on holidays from April 16 to October 28. From 29 October to 15 April, the hour is extended to 5 PM.
-
On religious holidays, especially during Easter and Christmas, please make sure you are updated with the St. Mark's Basilica opening hours.
Last Admission:
- Last admission time is 15 minutes from the closing time i.e. 4:45 PM at St. Mark's Basilica.
- At 8:45 PM, the Bell Tower's doors are closed to visitors.
Tips to Visit St. Mark's Basilica Venice
-
Best Time to Visit St. Mark’s Basilica Venice is early morning , as it will be simpler for you to explore the entire church without being overwhelmed by people and in silence.
-
Wear water resistance footwears or boots as the church is surrounded by the water irrespective of the season.
-
To discover the true history of the church, spend some time with each and every pillar, column, tomb, tower, etc. of the basilica.
-
Don't forget to visit the church museum to see St. Mark's hand preserved in a jar.
-
If you want to experience the Basilica's true beauty, try going there three different times throughout the day. In the daylight, the cathedral glows like gold; at dusk, it appears to be formed of copper; and at night, the cathedral has a whole other radiance.
FAQ’s
Why is St Mark's Basilica famous?
The St. Mark’s Basilica is famous for being the greatest and the oldest church of Venice with phenomenal architecture and buildings with the gold pieces of the mosaics inside the St.Mark's Basilica are made of the real gold which people come to see.
Can I visit St. Mark’s Basilica with kids?
Yes you can visit the St Mark's Basilica with kids, just be careful of them since the Basilica is way too crowded. Also, ask them to not touch the display items at the Basilica because if anything gets destroyed the church would fine you.
How long does it take to visit St. Mark’s Basilica?
The adequate time to explore the church is between 90 minutes and two hours. Both the museum and the balcony view are exquisite.On Sundays, the cathedral is open for mass and the museum opens at 9:30, although you must enter through the side door.
Is it worth visiting St. Mark’s Basilica?
One of the most popular attractions in Venice and a must-see on any traveler's Italy itinerary is St. Mark's Basilica is worth a visit. It's a church with a lot of fascinating tales and legends behind it, dating all the way back to the ninth century.
Why should I visit St. Mark’s Basilica?
You should visit St. Mark’s Basilica to witness its fascinating history, amazing mix of medieval artifacts, and architecture.
What is the best time to visit Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica?
The best time to visit St Mark’s Basilica Venice is in the month of may i.e in the middle of spring.
Can you take photos inside St Mark's Basilica?
Professional photography is prohibited inside the church however you can carry your mobile phones inside the church.