The architecture of this building in St Mark’s Square is stunning and it’s noticeably cooler inside on a hot Venetian day. It’s very dark too, but your eyes quickly adjust and there’s lots to see. Visiting the general area is free, but there is often a queue of people to get in. To avoid waiting to get in, you can book onto an organised tour like this one: St Mark’s Square – Skip The Line Walking Tour. Entrance to the Basilica is free if you are prepared to wait. This is an extract from our free Venice City Guide.
One of the big highlights inside the Basilica are the 8000 square metres of mosaics which cover the walls, vaults and cupolas. They are really striking and depict many stories from the bible. Be warned that after a while of looking at the roof, your neck will start to ache, but you just can’t take your eyes off the mosaics. The Basilica is open daily from 9.45am to 4.45pm. Another popular tour which includes “Skip the Line” entry to St Mark’s Basilica is the Venice Highlights Tour which consistently gets great reviews.
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), Piazza San Marco, 328 30124 Venice, Italy.
Tel: +39 041 270 8311
E-mail: biblioteca.proc@patriarcatovenezia.it
MORE ON ST MARK’S BASILICA
Hotels near St Mark’s Basilica & St Mark’s Square – Great rates from Hotels.com
Venice Walking Tour & St Marks Basilica – Walking Tour which includes fast entry to the Basilica
Basilica di San Marco – Official Website
St Mark’s Basilica – Wikipedia
Sacred-Destinations.com – What to see inside St Mark’s Basilica
Discount Venice Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk (UK)
Discount Venice Travel Guides – Amazon.com (US & Canada)