Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Italy  /  Veneto  /  Province of Venice  /  City of Venice  /  Venice  /  Basilica di San Marco

Basilica di San Marco, Venice

4.4

#3 of 198 in Historic Sites in Venice

Architectural Building Landmark Must See

• 
• ©
• ©

Renowned worldwide for its priceless treasures, Basilica di San Marco is one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Italy. Originally a private chapel for the doges, the city's chief magistrates, this building has been a cathedral only since 1807. Because of its opulent design, gold dome mosaics, and its status as a symbol of the city's wealth and power, the cathedral has been nicknamed the Church of Gold since the 11th century. The interior is based on a Greek cross, with iconic Byzantine onion-bulb domes and Egyptian marble walls. Behind the main altar, containing the sarcophagus of St. Mark, an altarpiece is adorned with hundreds of emeralds, sapphires, rubies, pearls, and amethysts. The front of the building is rippled with five niched portals, each capped with more elaborate mosaics and stone arches. The church also contains a museum, displaying bronze horses brought here in 1204 as part of the loot from Constantinople in the Fourth Crusade. You can enter the church for free, but the museum has an admission fee. Put Basilica di San Marco at the forefront of your travel plans using our Venice visit planning site .

more less

Create an itinerary including Basilica di San Marco

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Basilica di San Marco Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

28,009 reviews

facebook

4.7

3,738 likes

• By fufu33390

  C'est un joyau , avec des richesses et une architecture incroyable . C'est unique . Dommage que l'on soit obligé de payer certains accès ! ex : chemin de ronde en haut de la basilique , à l'extérieur ...  more »

  It is a jewel, with riches and incredible architecture. It's unique. Too bad we have to pay for some access! e.g. round road at the top of the basilica, outside;
  View original
• By nicolaslT7606PR

  Impresiona más por fuera que por dentro. En su interior el Retablo que hay en el Altar Mayor es impresionante. Pero te esperas más por dentro a razon de lo que ves por fuera y el precio de la entrada  more »

  It impresses more on the outside than on the inside. Inside the altarpiece in the Altar Mayor is impressive. But you expect more inside because of what you see on the outside and the price of the ticket
  View original

View more on TripAdvisor »

Places to stay near Basilica di San Marco

Plan your trip to Venice

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Book it

  Choose from the best hotels
  and activities. Up to 50% off

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.