St. Mark’s Basilica is a magnificent religious building located in Venice, Italy. It is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of Venetian history and culture. You’ll find intricate mosaics, ornate decorations, and the breathtaking Pala d’Oro, a stunning altarpiece adorned with precious gems and gold.
How to get to St. Mark Basilica
The most common and convenient way to reach St. Mark’s Basilica is by taking a water bus, known as a Vaporetto. Look for Vaporetto Line 1 or Line 2, as they pass through or near St. Mark’s Square. These lines have stops at various locations along the Grand Canal, including Piazzale Roma, the train station, and Rialto Bridge. Get off at the San Zaccaria stop, which is the closest to St. Mark’s Basilica.
St. Mark Basilica Ticket cost
St. Mark’s Basilica charges an entrance fee of €3. Additionally, there are separate tickets for the Pala d’Oro priced at €5 and the museum at €7. Due to the basilica’s popularity, long queues are common, so it is advisable to arrive before 9:00 am. Alternatively, purchasing tickets online in advance is a better option to bypass the lines for an additional fee. You can visit the official website to buy tickets ahead of time.
Things to see at St. Mark Basilica
The exterior of St. Mark Basilica
The front facade of St. Mark’s Basilica is intricately adorned with marble and mosaics. It features five large portals with beautifully carved sculptures and columns.
The upper part of the facade boasts a row of smaller arches and stunning mosaic decorations.
The exterior of the basilica is embellished with shimmering golden mosaics. These intricate mosaics depict biblical scenes, saints, and other religious figures, creating a breathtaking display of artistry.
Main Basilica
The Nave features a grand and spacious design, with high ceilings supported by a series of columns and arches. The walls and ceilings of the nave are adorned with stunning golden mosaic artwork.
The Pentecost mosaic situated in the central area of the basilica, depicts the biblical event of Pentecost, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the Virgin Mary.
The Central Dome Mosaic is situated at the pinnacle of the basilica’s main dome, and it depicts Christ Pantocrator (Christ the Almighty) surrounded by an array of heavenly figures.
Pala d’Oro
Pala d’Oro one of the most striking features of the basilica, is a magnificent altarpiece behind the high altar. This exquisite work of art is adorned with numerous precious gems, gold leaf, and intricate enamelwork. It has additional separate tickets for €5.
It showcases intricate scenes from the life of Christ and various saints, making it a true masterpiece of Byzantine craftsmanship.
The tomb of St. Mark is situated in the central part of the basilica, in an area known as the “Presbytery.” It is positioned beneath the high altar of the church.
Museum – Loggia dei Cavalli
The Loggia dei Cavalli is situated on the upper level of the facade, facing the Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). It has additional separate tickets for €7.
You get an up-close view of the stunning interior of the basilica, adorned with beautiful golden mosaics, marble columns, and intricate designs from up there.
The bronze horses showcase the skillful craftsmanship of ancient artists. They depict four spirited horses with intricate details and lifelike proportions. They were removed from the facade of the basilica to protect them from environmental damage, and replicas were placed in their original position.
The mosaic fragments on display consist of smaller pieces of mosaic artwork that were once part of the basilica’s grand mosaic decorations. These fragments offer glimpses into the intricate mosaic designs and techniques employed in St. Mark’s Basilica.
This balcony provides a fantastic vantage point to admire the square and take in the beauty of the basilica’s architecture from a different perspective.
It also provides a magnificent view of the piazza and its surroundings.
Normally it’ll take around one hour to visit all three sections once you are inside the Basilica. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to skip the lines.
Let us know in the comment section below if you have any questions or suggestions.