About St. Mark's
Venice's cathedral, built in 1092, is a Byzantine marvel covered in 8,000 square meters of golden mosaics. Originally the doge's private chapel, it houses the relics of St. Mark, looted from Alexandria in 828 AD. The ornate facade features marble pillars, bronze horses, and intricate spires reflecting Venice's maritime power and Eastern trade connections.
⏰ Hours
- Mon-Sat: 9:30 AM - 5 PM (Sun 2-5 PM for worship)
- Best: Early morning or late afternoon
- Lines: 1-2 hours without guide access
💰 Costs
- Entry: €3 (main basilica)
- Pala d'Oro: €5 (golden altarpiece)
- Guided: €30-50 with skip-the-line
- Private: €200-350 for up to 6
✨ Highlights
- ✨ Golden mosaics: 8,000 sq m of Byzantine art
- 🏇 Bronze horses: Looted from Constantinople 1204
- 🎨 Pala d'Oro: Golden altarpiece with 2,000+ gems
📝 Tips
- Dress code: Shoulders & knees covered (strict)
- No large bags: Free bag check nearby
- Skip-the-line worth it: Saves hours in summer