St. Mark's Basilica Cathedral Entry Only: Skip-The-Line Entry Ticket
Explore Venice's iconic symbol and its sacred treasures
- Skip-the-line ticket only for the cathedral
St Mark’s Basilica, Venice Tickets and Information
- St Mark’s Basilica Address: Piazza San Marco 328, 30100, Venice
- Opening Hours: Daily: 09:30 - 17:15
Is St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice Worth Visiting
- If you like beautiful buildings with incredible architecture that are steeped in history, definitely, yes!
What You See At St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
- One of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.
- Art. Pala d’Oro. The famous terrace
- Loggia dei Cavalli
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About St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
St. Mark’s Basilica 'Basilica di San Marco' is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. The basilica is known for its opulent design, intricate mosaics, and historical significance. It was originally built in the 9th century in 832 AD to house the relics of Saint Mark (legend has it that Venetian merchants stole the saint's remains from Alexandria in Egypt and brought them to Venice!), the patron saint of Venice. It was then rebuilt in 1063 after a fire and consecrated in 1094.
The basilica has a unique blend of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architectural styles and its design is characterised by its famous domes, marble columns, and intricate facade, which is covered with sculptures and mosaics. The inside is covered with thousands of Byzantine mosaics which depict scenes from the life of Christ, the apostles, and various saints. The mosaics are known for their vivid colours and intricate details and cover the walls, ceilings, and domes of the basilica.
The basilica is also full of treasures that have been collected over the centuries, including Byzantine artwork, ancient relics, and other precious artefacts with one of the most famous being the ‘Pala d'Oro’, an altarpiece that is covered with gold and precious stones. The building also has a treasury which contains a collection of sacred relics and liturgical objects.
Throughout history St. Mark's Basilica has served as a symbol of Venetian wealth, power, and religious devotion. It’s also closely associated with the ‘Doge of Venice’, who used the basilica for important state ceremonies and religious rituals.
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St. Mark’s Basilica FAQ’s
- When is the best time to visit St. Mark’s Basilica?
- We would suggest early in the morning or later in the afternoon, where possible. You are never going to be able to avoid the crowds as its one of Venice’s most popular tourist attractions, but early in the morning or later afternoon can be slightly quieter.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance for St. Mark’s Basilica?
- We would always suggest booking tickets in advance to visit St. Mark’s Basilica. This helps you avoid the queues and avoids disappointment. Long queues are very common, especially during the peak summer months.
- What is the Pala d’Oro at St. Mark’s Basilica?
- The Pala d’Oro is a must see in our opinion. It’s the incredible golden altar which is decorated with precious stones.
- What is St. Mark's Basilica?
- St. Mark's Basilica, or ‘Basilica di San Marco’, is a cathedral and major tourist attraction in Venice, which is famous for its Italo-Byzantine architecture, golden mosaics, and its significance as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power.
- What are the mosaics in St. Mark's Basilica made of?
- The mosaics are made of tesserae, which are tiny pieces of glass, gold leaf, and stones which create vibrant and intricate designs.
- Can you climb St. Mark’s Basilica?
- Yes, you can climb to the ‘Loggia dei Cavalli’, which offers great views of St. Mark’s Square and the city.
- Why are the Horses of St. Mark significant?
- The Horses of St. Mark are ancient bronze statues that once covered Constantinople's Hippodrome. They were brought to Venice in the 13th century and symbolise Venice's power and connection to Byzantium.
St Mark’s Basilica Venice Fun Facts
- "Golden Church": The basilica is nicknamed "Chiesa d'Oro" (Golden Church) because of its opulent golden mosaics covering over 8,000 square metres.
- Stolen Relics: The relics of St. Mark were smuggled from Alexandria by Venetian merchants in a barrel of pork to evade Muslim inspectors!
- Byzantine Influence: Many of the basilica's treasures were looted from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204.
- Horses' Journey: The famous Horses of St. Mark have travelled extensively! Napoleon took them to Paris in 1797 before they were returned to Venice in 1815.
- Hidden Dome: The basilica has five domes, but from the ground inside, only parts of them are visible due to the design of the interiors.
- Real Gold Mosaics: The gold mosaics are made by sandwiching gold leaf between layers of glass.
- Tomb of St. Mark: St. Mark's remains are interred in the crypt, which is often flooded due to Venice's acqua alta (high tide) phenomenon!
- Symbolism Everywhere: The architecture, mosaics, and artworks are filled with Christian symbolism, depicting biblical stories and saints to educate and inspire worshippers.
Useful Information About St. Mark’s Basilica
Tips for Visiting
- Book Tickets Online: Its an easy and convenient way to secure your tickets and can save you a lot of time as it gets busy.
- Combination Tickets: Consider one of our great combination tickets that offer access to multiple attractions including St. Mark's Basilica. Click HERE to see combination ticket options.
How to get there
- St Mark’s Basilica Address: Basilica di San Marco, San Marco, 328, 30124 Venice, Italy
- Tel: +39 041 2708311
Opening Times
- Monday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Tuesday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Wednesday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Thursday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Friday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Saturday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Sunday: 14:00 - 17:15
- Last Admissions being: 16:45
