Visit Saint-Marc Basilica: tickets, prices, times

Do you stay in Venice and want to enjoy a grandiose cultural stop? Come and visit the Basilica of Saint Mark, pure jewel of the Venetian city!

The Basilica of Saint Mark has been and still remains the true spiritual and political heart of the splendid city of Venice . Built in the 9th century, it has always played a decisive role in the city of the Lagunaire city. It must be said that before, it was in its midst that the Dukes of Venice were consecrated! Located on the no less famous Place Saint-Marc, it is the masterpiece of the beautiful San Marco district. Today, it welcomes many tourists who would not spend anything in the world next to her visit. This jewel of the Italian heritage is full of legends, treasures, exciting anecdotes and includes many points of cultural interest.

You will have understood it, visiting the Basilica of Saint Mark is definitely worth a look! And it is to allow you to take advantage of it that we have prepared a guide of essential information. A brief history of the place, attractions and places to discover, access plan, rates and times are presented. Andiamo !

History of St. Mark's Basilica

Saint Mark’s Basilica should have been content to be an extension of Doge Palace . The construction, begun in 828, lasted four years, and was completed especially to house the body of Saint Mark. This apostle, whose remains were sent from Alexandria, is considered to be the protector of the city. This has made Venice an independent episcopal seat, and has strengthened the aura of the city on Europe as a whole. In 1063, the expansion of the current basilica was realized in the purest Byzantine style. This allowed the power of the powerful Republic of Veneto to sit a little more!

The very particular architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica respects the Byzantine model. It includes a central plant in the form of Greek cross, as well as five majestic domes. The grand mix between Western and Eastern architecture still feels today, and gives the place a certain exotic majesty.

Visiting the Basilica of St. Mark allows to realize the various changes that have been made over the centuries. Here is the decoration, which has evolved considerably over a millennium. But also the contribution of sculptures, arrived during the seventeenth and eighteenth century, or mosaics. Or even the bas-reliefs showing the various trades that have participated in the city’s hegemony, gothic arches, marbles... You will have understood, this stylistic blending is a major part of the place’s reputation and its cultural interest! It became the official cathedral of the city in the early 19th century, and has not undergone significant changes since then.

What to see and do at St. Mark's Basilica?

A magical place

The Basilica of Saint Mark dominates the square of the same name, a genuine neuralgic center of the city of Venice. The latter is, by itself, the detour! This is the lowest part of this lagoon town. In other words, it is the first to be flooded when the high tide floods Venice! But reassure yourself, when the Adriatic Sea makes its own, gateways are placed on the area. They allow you to fly over the waters and to go to the Basilica of Saint Mark.

Moreover, let us concentrate on this sublime place of worship, and let us enter into this sacred place. What strikes the visitor before anything else is the predominance of the golden color covering the mosaics. They occupy a space above 4,000 m2 on the ceiling! For example, the dome of Ascension dates back to the 13th century and illustrate scenes of the New Biblical Testament.

The altar and the Logia dei Cavalli

Let us continue our visit by the majestic altar supported by four colossal columns in alabaster and marble. It is under the latter that the body of the illustrious Saint Mark rests! Further, the museum, probably the most enriching section of the visit, exposes its treasures. In fact, when you visit the Basilica of Saint Mark, you can see very closely its extraordinary ceilings richly decorated.

In addition to these, it is possible to admire the works of art present in the enclosure of the museum. These are notably present in the Logia dei Cavalli, a room with a balcony overlooking the Place Saint-Marc. Among them, the original sculptures of the Chevaux de Saint-Marc are a must-see. This work represents four splendid horses made of bronze and covered with gold leaf. Originally preserved in Constantinople, it is in fact a treasure of war: it is a spoil of the fourth Crusade!

The treasure

Further on, you can be surprised to discover a real... treasure. This authentic Byzantine treasure with gold and silver comes in fact from the plunder following the fall of Constantinople! The Pala d’Oro follows this discovery. This splendid altar, made of gold and precious stones, was made entirely by artisans of the Middle Ages. Uncontournable, the Pala d’Oro is the highlight of the visit and finally subjugate the visitor, necessarily already conquered!

How to get to St. Mark's Basilica?

To browse the splendid city of Venice, we recommend using the vaporetto . This boat-bus is the best way to get around in this city where the canals replace the alleys! To access the Basilica of Saint Mark, two stops are at your disposal. This is about San Zaccaria or San Marco , served by many lines because of their tourist interest.

You can use the line 1, 2, 41, 42, 51 or 52 To stop it! Whatever your position in the city, no worries, you can easily access the Basilica of Saint Mark.

Schedules & St. Mark's Basilica Rates

HORARI

Visit the Basilica of Saint Mark can be done daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. . However, on Sundays and during Italian school holidays, schedules change. During these periods, the place is open to the public only from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

In both cases, no ticket sales can be made after 4:45 p.m., fifteen minutes before closing.

RATES

When you visit the Basilica of Saint Mark, you are pleasantly surprised to learn that the entrance is free and free For all! Although tourists, there is no less a place of Catholic worship that is open to the public. The visit of the narthex (the entrance of the basilica, which constitutes the most majestic area) is therefore totally free.

However, access to certain parts of the building remains a fee:

• The altar : 2 €
• The Byzantine treasure and relics : 3 €
• The terrace and galleries located near the ceiling : 5 €
• Guided tours with skipper ticket : varies depending on the season and the chosen formula. Remember to book in advance.