St Mark's Basilica

Venice, Italy

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

Opening hours: Oct 29-Apr 15,Apr 16-Oct 27 Mo-Sa 09:30-17:00; Oct 29-Apr 15 Su 14:00-16:30; Apr 16-Oct 27 Su 14:00-17:00
Admission: Ticketed
Wheelchair access: Partly accessible

From OpenStreetMap — confirm before travelling

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St Mark's Basilica, the cathedral church of the Patriarchate of Venice, dominates the eastern end of Saint Mark's Square in Venice and adjoins the Doge's Palace. Built beginning probably in 1063, the present structure—the third church on the site—was designed to express Venice's growing civic pride and modeled on the sixth-century Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, adapted to local conditions and ceremonial needs. The basilica blends Byzantine, Romanesque, Islamic, and later Gothic influences. Originally of brick, its façades and interior were enriched from the thirteenth century onward with precious stones and rare marbles, many plundered from Constantinople following the Fourth Crusade, including the celebrated four ancient bronze horses positioned above the entry. The domes, vaults, and upper walls are adorned with gold-ground mosaics depicting saints, prophets, and biblical scenes, many retouched or remade over centuries. Prior to 1807, it served as the Doge's chapel; it now holds the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of the city, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.