Basilica of San Marco

Saint Mark's Cathedral is one of the most intricately designed and beautiful churches in the world and the city's top attraction. The architectural style of the church is a blend of a pure Venice plus the influence of the Byzantine, Muslim and Western European countries.

Visitors flock to the Basilica San Marco to admire the glittering, golden Byzantine-style mosaic that adorns the cathedral's main gate and the inside of each of the five domes. Most of the astonishing decorations of St. Mark's Church date from the 11th to 13th centuries. In addition to the beautiful mosaics, the San Marco Cathedral houses relics of its name, the apostle and The lavish Pala d'Oro, a golden altar decorated with priceless jewels. The interior of the cathedral's museum houses a fascinating collection of tapestries, liturgies, and tapestries, along with the Bronze Horse of San Marco, brought back from Constantinople during the 4th Crusade.

The Basilica of San Marco occupies one side of Piazza San Marco, or Saint Mark's Square, Venice's main square. The square and basilica combine to form one of the most iconic and recognizable sights in the western world, be sure to take a moment and soak in the beauty before you go Doors.

Business hours:

Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Sunday until 4:30pm (5pm in summer). Last visit is usually 15 minutes before closing. On religious holidays, especially around Easter and Christmas, the basilica may open late or close early, so be sure to check current times before you attempt to visit.

Admission: Admission to the Basilica is free, but visitors are advised to pay entrance fees during public holidays or to special parts of the church complex such as the Saint Mark museum, Pala d'Oro, Tower. Bells and Treasury. To help manage the dense crowds, visitors are allowed a 10-minute walk to admire the beauty of the basilica.