St Mark's Basilica

A major cathedral church in Venice’s main square, St Mark’s Basilica is the city’s principal religious building and an outstanding example of Italo-Byzantine architecture with extensive gold mosaics. Its origins date to the 9th century when it was built to house relics of St Mark, though the present basilica was largely completed in the 11th century.

The interior is famous for its vaulted domes entirely covered in mosaics, the ornate Pala d’Oro altarpiece and an accumulation of Byzantine and medieval treasures. The upper-level museum holds the original bronze horses that once adorned the facade and many liturgical objects collected over centuries.

Venetian rulers and civic ceremonies long used the basilica as the city’s chapel and a display of Venice’s maritime and diplomatic wealth. Over time the building accumulated objects from the eastern Mediterranean and was modified with Gothic and Renaissance additions while retaining its Byzantine core.

Located on Piazza San Marco beside the Doge’s Palace, the basilica sits in the heart of Venice and is immediately accessible on foot from most parts of the historic island. It is a short walk from major vaporetto stops on the Grand Canal.

• Visiting practicalities: Timed-entry tickets are required for some interior areas and the museum; expect queues at peak season and a dress code for sacred spaces.
• Viewing tip: Best light for viewing the mosaics is often mid to late morning when sunlight enters the northern facade and dome mosaics.

What to See #

• Main nave and domes: The eastern end of the basilica containing the high altar and the famed gold ground mosaics that cover the domes and apses, dating from Byzantine and medieval phases.
• Pala d'Oro: A gold and enamel altarpiece behind the main altar, made from Byzantine-era enamels and medieval additions and noted for its intricate work.
• Museum and Horses: The museum area on the upper floor where the original bronze horses from the basilica facade and other liturgical objects are displayed.
• Terrace and loggia: The exterior terrace and loggia that provide close views of the facade mosaics and medieval sculptures, and access to the museum collection.