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 Basilica is amazing, but there is just one problem and it isn't the Basilica itself but the never-ending lines of people during summer in the piazza waiting to get in. It really is best to book one of those skip-the-line tours online before you go or risk spending half of your precious time in Venice standing in a line on a sweltering summer's day.

History of the Basilica

Its Byzantine characteristics are no doubt a result of the strong influence of the Byzantine Empire on Venice and the influence of the significant Greek community in the city. 

The Basilica gets its name from Venice’s patron saint—Saint Mark. Venice had a previous one called Saint Theodore (Teodoro) but he was replaced by Saint Mark in 828, who aligned more with Venetian values and ambitions, and the church was built to house his remains.

Initially, the basilica was a simple affair but that version 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. The basilica and indeed the entire piazza were designed to impress and overawe visitors to the city, making them instantly understand the power and wealth of Venice.

By the 15th century, the basilica 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, it is really the least anyone can do to show respect. The rules are as follows:

1) Wear shirts with sleeves and cover your legs to the knees.

2) No large bags or suitcases are allowed in.

3) No loud voices.

You get to spend around ten minutes inside before you have to leave.

Tours of the Saint Mark's Basilica

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. St. Mark's Basilica glows with a soft golden light, its intricate details casting captivating shadows and the marble columns and Byzantine mosaics stand out against the dark sky.

Saint Mark's Basilica FAQ