St. Mark's Basilica

Overview

St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is Venice's cathedral and one of the finest examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture in the world. Built in 1094 to house the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, its five domes and golden mosaics make it instantly recognizable.

Highlights

• Golden Mosaics: Over 8,000 square meters of gold-ground mosaics covering the interior, depicting biblical scenes spanning 800 years of artistry.
• Pala d'Oro: A magnificent golden altarpiece encrusted with 1,927 precious gems, created over centuries by Byzantine goldsmiths.
• The Horses of St. Mark: Four gilded bronze horses on the loggia (copies; originals inside the museum), looted from Constantinople in 1204.

History

The original church was built in 828 to house St. Mark's relics smuggled from Alexandria. The current structure dates from 1094, modeled after Constantinople's Church of the Holy Apostles. Venice's doges were crowned here for over 700 years.

Visitor Tips

• Skip the Line: Book a timed reservation online to avoid the notoriously long queues.
• Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered; free lockers for bags at the nearby Ateneo San Basso.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours including the museum and Pala d'Oro.