Saint Mark (Basilica)

San Marco: the spiritual centre of Venice

Saint Mark Basilica (San Marco) is definitely the symbol and the most famous monument of Venice. Its unique syncretic architecture (mostly Byzantine and Gothic), its golden mosaics, its religious and political symbols: everything make it the main destination of every trip to Venice.
Its construction was started in 828 to host the body of Saint Mark (who since then became the protector of the city), that had been stolen in Alexandria by Venetian merchants. Its building went on in the following centuries; many of its decorations (like the Four Tetrarchs statue) came from the Orient, and some were even older than the Basilica itself.
Saint Mark basilica was the State church of the Republic of Venice, therefore it was not under the authority of the bishop (whose see was instead San Pietro di Castello church).

Entrance to Saint Mark Basilica is free, although there is a ticket to pay to see some of the internal artworks. The queue for entrance may be quite long and an appropriate attire is required (or entrance will be denied).

Address
San Marco 1, Piazza San Marco, 30124 - Venezia
Phone
+39 041 27 08 311
Web Site
http://www.basilicasanmarco.it
Prices
Full/Reduced 3€/1.5€
Opening hours
Everyday
9:45-17:00
On Sundays and holydays
14:00-16:00
Transports
Water bus Line 1, 2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 14, 15, 19, 20, N | San Zaccaria
Go!