St Mark's Basilica - Truly Enchanting
A very unusual building, the first time I saw St Mark's Basilica with
its characteristic five domes I was reminded more of Istanbul than
Italy...
The major problem with St Mark's Basilica isn't the Basilica itself but
the never-ending lines of people in the piazza waiting to get in. If you can't be
bothered with wasting your precious time in Venice then
this is the solution
.
History of the Basilica
Its Byzantine characteristics are no doubt a result of the strong
influence of the Ottoman Empire on Venice and the influence of the once
significant Greek community
in the city. This influence is often denied by Venetians but is accepted wisdom in Greece.
The Basilica gets its name from Venice’s latest patron
saint – Saint Mark. They had a previous one called Saint Theodore
(Teodoro) but he was replaced by Saint Mark in 828 and the church was
built to house his remains.
Initially the church was a simple affair that was destroyed in a
rebellion in 976. It was then rebuilt and continued to grow in splendor –
in many ways reflecting the increasing wealth of Venice through the
centuries.
By the 15th century the church was more or less completed in
its present form and in the last five centuries or so they have done
little to mess it up thank goodness.
Open to visitors on most days of the year the church does not
charge an admission fee, there are a few rules to respect however and
considering this is still a real church and not just a tourist
attraction this really is the least anyone can do to show respect– The rules are as follows:
1) Wear shirts with sleeves and cover legs to the knees.
2) No large bags or suitcases are allowed in.
3) No filming or photos.
4) No loud voices.
You get to spend around ten minutes inside before you have to leave.
What to see?
St Mark's Basilica at night by Ricardo Gomez Angel
1) The altar screen is amazing – it really gives you an idea of
just how wealthy Venice once was and consists of over 3000 precious stones.
2) Look up! the mosaics on the ceiling are awesome. I have never seen anything quite
like them and the sense of heavenly light descending down into the
darkness below is incredible.
3) Visit the piazza at night to see how magnificent it looks all lit up,
Why not try our Venice Italy Search Engine below?
Please Book with Us... Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) via the link below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
You'll get the best deal available and the income I receive helps me to remain independent and to keep bringing you more of beautiful Italy.
Click to Begin
You'll Enjoy These...
Looking for unusual things to do in Venice? Apart from the 6 essentials we feature on the site why not visit a few of the secret corners of Venice? The Dorsoduro is a good place to start...
Which are the best three and four star hotels in Venice Italy? These are my picks. I include only hotels which I can recommend with confidence.
Enjoy this stunningly visual guide to beautiful Venice Italy, the Italian Lakes and Tuscany. You'll be swept up into an Italian dream world .
Great advice on how to avoid the crowds if you are visiting Venice in July and some wonderful ideas on things to do.
Planning a Christmas in Italy? I have everything you need - advice on Italian Christmas traditions, insider tips, weather, great accommodation picks and...
The ItalyMammaMia Blog shares news, beautiful Italian places, recipes and travel advice. We've videos and essential information for planning your next trip to Italy.
Personal Venice - Exploring the heart and soul of the most beautiful city on earth. If simply being a tourist is not enough for you then read on....
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
Pictures of Venice Italy features some magnificent photos of Venice, capturing the timeless beauty of the greatest city on earth.
There's so much to see in Venice Italy that you can become overwhelmed. Before you despair, here is the list of the 6 sights you absolutely must see...
The best of all the luxury hotels in Venice Italy? Read my insider’s guide and discover the answer. ...
The Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in Venice and perhaps the world. Here's everything you need to know about the bridge and plenty more on Venice too..
Venice in photos takes you on a visual journey through one of the loveliest cities on earth. An absolutely stunning experience.
Gondolas inside and out, piles of books, cats everywhere and a fire escape that involves jumping into a canal. This is the Acqua Alta Bookshop
Arriving by train via Verona, in the early morning we spent the entire day in Venice escaping into the whimsical magic of Venice. It didn’t take us long to get lost in Venice’s many twist and turns...
Car rental in Venice can leave you with a sinking feeling. Read our guide to avoid that happening to you...
Easter in Venice is wonderful, there's a special feeling in the air and Easter is still celebrated in the traditional way. Be a part of it - click for more.
If the hustle and bustle of the usual Venice attractions gets a little much the southern lagoon is a good place to escape to for a few days.
Legend has it the Bridge of Sighs was named because it offered prisoners their last view of Venice before execution. I like the legend of eternal love better...
The Jewish or Hebrew ghetto of Venice was the first ghetto for Jews in Europe and was the place where the word first originated. Read more in our guide.
Of all the canals of Venice the Grand Canal is the greatest - perhaps the most beautiful avenue in the world. A little strange it may be, an avenue of water, yet lined with some of the greatest...
Looking for the best books about Venice Italy? Whether it is food, travel or history we may just have the answer for you..
Our guide to Venice Treviso Airport and all you need to know to find the cheapest flights to Venice.
These 6 places to see near Venice are awesome. If you're visiting Venice you seriously DO NOT want to miss out on seeing them.
Come summer I can only take so much history before I need a beach. That's what the Venice Italy Beach Guide is all about. Discovering the best beaches near Venice.
More Travel Tips:
- Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
- Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda both help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability on the days of your travels
- Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
- Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
- Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
- Get Insured with TravelInsurance.com
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.