St Mark’s Basilica in Venice: info, opening hours and skip the line tickets

When St. Mark's Basilica appears before your eyes for the first time, you cannot help but feel deeply moved. With its golden domes, delicate spires and mighty bronze horses, it is the most important church in the city. Yet, we are certain, you have never seen any church like it.

So we'll tell you about the beauty of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, what not to miss in this splendid temple of art, history, but also the politics of yesteryear, when religion and government were one inseparable whole. We will also let you inside the golden San Marco Basilica, in the presence of priceless masterpieces, such as the famous Pala d'Oro, a dazzling jewel of light and precious stones.

St Mark's Basilica is one of the many wonders of Venice. You will have access to the most visited and popular attractions with our Venice Pass, at great prices: are you ready for an unforgettable trip?

Anyone who enters the interior of the Basilica cannot help but feel overwhelmed by the light that, in a surprising way, almost seems to want to blur the gaze rather than make it clear.

The moment of dizziness, however, is brief, and in less than no time one understands the reason why. The vaults of St. Mark's Basilica are covered everywhere with fabulous mosaics. It is estimated that they cover an area of as much as 8600 square meters / 92570 square feet!

They tell biblical and salvation stories, Old Testament stories and prophecies, and, of course, stories of the Evangelist San Marco.

Don't forget to look at the floor! Parts of it are still covered by the original mosaics made of beautiful polychrome marble!

If the mosaics can be seen by anyone, the Pala d'Oro (also called the Golden Pall) is accessible only to those who purchase tickets to St. Mark's Basilica (get more info here).

It is located in the chancel of the Basilica and is so beautiful and impressive that it will leave anyone breathless.

It is an antependium, or the front part of the altar, which, in the case of St. Mark's Basilica, is made of gold, silver, precious stones and enamels. The size? 212 x 334 centimeters (6,95 x 10,95 ft)!

The making of the altarpiece, the use of enamels and the elegance of the figures represents the technical and artistic apex of Venetian and Byzantine art.

If in fact the first Pala d'Oro was commissioned in Constantinople in 976 by Doge Orseolo, the second dates from a hundred years later. The one we admire today, however, is the result of a 14th-century restoration commissioned by Doge Andrea Dandolo to the Venetian goldsmith Giovanni Paolo Boninsegna.

So, is it worth buying a ticket to see the Pala d'Oro? We've probably already given you the answer between the lines!

In addition to an enviable collection that succeeds in best introducing the visit to the Basilica, the Museum also reserves a spectacular final surprise. Let's go in order, however (just remember that you can access the St. Mark's Museum only purchasing the ticket). 

The Museum of St. Mark's welcomes its visitors on a tour that traces the history and beauty of the mosaics, manuscripts, as well as the sacred screens that belong to the Basilica. You will also see magnificent Persian carpets and wool tapestries.

What catalyzes attention, however, is in truth the Quadriga Marciana (the famous Four Horses of St. Mark's).

The Four Horses, which once stood on the façade of the Basilica, now finds its place inside the museum after extensive restoration work. The famous bronze sculpture was not made in the city, but is a spoil of war from the Fourth Crusade, at the end of the sack of Constantinople. The Quadriga, which was originally placed in a triumphal position on the façade of the basilica, is now inside the museum after a long restoration work.

What about the horses on the façade of the basilica? They are actually a copy created to protect the originals from the elements.

We haven't told you yet what the highlight of the Museum's visit is (yes, there is another one and that's why it's worth reading on...).

The viewing terrace is also part of the itinerary of the Museum of St. Mark's Basilica.

If visiting the interior of the Basilica is an exceptional experience, so is certainly observing it from above, while surrounded by its rounded domes.

From the top of the Basilica you can take a closer look at some of the details of the façade and have a splendid view of the Piazza.

A truly exceptional viewpoint that will forever remain with you as an indelible memory.

The Basilica is open daily from Monday to Saturday from 09:30 a.m. to 05:15 p.m. (last access 30 minutes before); on Sundays and, in general, on special holidays, the Basilica opens later, starting at 02:00 p.m..

Since it is a place of worship, in any case, it is always a good idea to check opening hours in advance.

We cannot give a universal answer because this is a rather subjective question.

To visit each part of the San Marco Basilica with due calm and attention, however, we suggest you budget no less than two hours (the more the better!).

Like all sacred places in Italy, you cannot enter the interior of San Marco unless you are dressed appropriately for the place. For example, tank tops or shorts cannot be worn. Even when it is very hot, it is therefore necessary to cover shoulders and knees, even with a scarf.

Inside the Basilica it is forbidden to take photos, either with a camera or cell phone. The only place where taking pictures is allowed is when you are in the Terrace.

Yes, during the visit, it is important to avoid talking loudly.

Bulky backpacks and duffels cannot be brought into the church; instead, they should be left in the locker provided in Leoncini Square.

Don't forget that no food or drinks can be brought in either!