Venice | The Basilica of St Mark

The Basilica of St Mark

Aptly known also as the Chiesa d'Oro (Church of Gold), it is one of the most richly embellished churches in the world.

The Basilica San Marco was formerly the church for the Doge. The cathedral, which was begun about 828, was reconstructed after a fire in 976, and rebuilt, again, between 1047 and about 1071. It is considered an outstanding example of Byzantine architecture. The golden winged lion, seen in the top center, is the symbol of Venice.

Its main façade is unique. It has five arched doorways, with a long loggia above, that houses four bronze horses-- copies of the originals that were stolen from Constantinople during the 4th crusade. To see the originals, you have to pay and go inside.

The interior is as impressive as the outside with its cavernous interior exquisitely gilded with Byzantine mosaics. The line for entry (which is free) moves quickly and shouldn't take longer than 20 minutes even if it extends out into the square toward the waterfront. Going in the morning or around 1pm (13:00) when people head to lunch is best for avoiding the line. While entry to the church is free, collection points are set up along the way to view special features such as the Pala d’Oro , the Golden Altar Screen and the four horses on the top floor loggia of the church. But these are well worth the price. Once inside the Basilica you should take advantage of seeing these relics and the magnificent view from this advantage point on the terrace.

In the Sanctuary, the main altar is built over the tomb of St. Mark, its green marble canopy lifted high on carved alabaster columns.

Perhaps even more impressive is the Pala d'Oro, a dazzling 11 by 4.5 foot high gilt silver screen encrusted with 1,927 precious gems and 255 enameled panels over the main alter. The golden altar screen is set with 300 emeralds, 300 sapphires, 400 garnets, 100 amethysts, and 1,300 pearls, 75 rubies, 4 topazes and 2 cameos.

Pala d'Oro

The Tesoro (Treasury), entered from the right transept, contains many treasures carried home from conquests abroad.

Magnificent mosaics, made of small glass tiles covered with gold leaf, can be seen all around the church depicting the life of Christ and St. Mark.

The original Horses in the museum

To see the replica horses of St. Mark and get onto the terrace of the church you must climb the stairs to get to the top floor of the church. Pay attention as you enter, the stairs are on your right just beyond the entrance. If you bypass them initially, you will have to sort of "jump" the velvet rope lines to get back or worse, go outside and wait in line again. It is also the only way to access the outside Loggia dei Cavalli.
As you climb the steep stairway to the Galleria and the Museo di San Marco (museum) you will have the best overview of the basilica's interior. From here you can step outdoors for a sweeping panorama of Piazza San Marco and out over the lagoon to San Giorgio. The museum was completely renovated and reopened in 2003. The displays focus mainly on the types of mosaic and how they have been restored over the years. But the highlight is a close-up view of the original gilt bronze horses that were once on the outer gallery. The four were most probably cast in Rome and taken to Constantinople, where the Venetians pillaged them after sacking that city. When Napoleon (1769-1821) sacked Venice in 1797, he took them to Paris. They were returned after the fall of the French Empire, but came home "blind" -- their big ruby eyes had been sold.

Tips and Rules:

1. You can't take backpacks (even small ones) into St Mark's Basilica; large purses, on the other hand, seem to get in with no problem. Be aware that backpacks and bags must be left at the Ateneo San Basso to be picked up later! You will be pulled out of the line and instructed to do so if caught! But there is an advantage... after you check your bags, you don't have to go back through the general long line. You can show your bag check card in the shorter line on the left. Directions to Bag Storage area at Ateneo San Basso: Facing the Basilica from St. Mark's Square there is a side entrance on the left of the Basilica. Across from that side entrance, down a little alley on your left you will see the bag storage place.

2. Give yourself at least 2 hours to experience this place and know that there is a 'no photo' policy (but it is not strictly enforced - just no flash.)

3. Be aware that churches in Italy strictly enforce a modest dress code. No shorts, no bare shoulders or arms, and no skirts above the knees are permitted in the Basilica. T-shirts are often sold at kiosks outside the church for those who forgot to bring a sweater or scarf to put over their shoulders. Additionally, along with the "no flash pictures" permitted -- silence must be observed.
4. The Basilica is open to visitors at 9:30am. Book online HERE for a time slot to jump the queue. (It only costs 1 Euro for the booking.) Most times during the day the church is dimly lit to save energy but lights come into operation between 11:30 - 12:30 each day effecting the gold, gilt and mosaics to sparkle and glow magically.

The basilica is open Sunday morning for anyone wishing to attend Mass, but you cannot enter merely to observe the church and disrupt the mass.

HOURS: Basilica, Presbytery and Treasury:

Summer: Monday-Saturday 9:45 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 2:00-4 p.m.

Winter: Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sunday 2:00 - 4 p.m.

Marciano (Saint Mark's) Museum Go upstairs for a look at several mosaics up close in the Marciano Museum then out onto the Loggia dei Cavalli for a nice view of the Piazza San Marco. Be aware that the climb up the stairs is short but very steep!

Summer: Monday-Saturday, 9:45a.m -4:45 p.m., Sunday 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Winter: Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 2:00-4:30 p.m.

ADMISSION: Basilica free, Treasury 3€, Presbytery 2€, Marciano Museum 4€

loggia dei cavalli, S.Marco in Venice

A ramp can be found on the left side of the San Marco Basilica to provide step-free access.