St Mark’s Basilica and Square, Venice, Italy

St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is the cathedral of Venice and one of the most famous churches in Europe. The first church was built in the 9th century to house the relics of Saint Mark, brought from Alexandria in 828; the present building dates mainly from the 11th century and was the Doge’s chapel until it became the city’s cathedral in 1807. Its Byzantine domes, marble facade and more than 8,000 square metres of golden mosaics earned it the name Chiesa d’Oro, the “Church of Gold”. The basilica is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Venice and its Lagoon.

In front of the basilica lies Piazza San Marco, St Mark’s Square, framed by the arcades of the Procuratie, the Clock Tower and historic cafés such as Florian. The 98.6-metre Campanile, rebuilt after it collapsed in 1902, offers views over the rooftops and the lagoon, and the Gothic Doge’s Palace next to the basilica tells the story of the Venetian Republic.

Visitor Information

Inside, the highlights are the mosaics, the 12th-century marble floor and the Pala d’Oro, a Byzantine golden altarpiece set with almost 2,000 precious stones and enamels. The museum upstairs keeps the original gilded bronze horses brought from Constantinople in 1204, while copies stand on the Loggia dei Cavalli, which offers one of the best views over the square.

Admission to the basilica costs €10; the basilica with either the Pala d’Oro or the museum and Loggia dei Cavalli costs €20, and the full ticket €30. Children under 11 enter free, and young people aged 10–18, students up to 26 and visitors over 65 pay half. The Campanile needs a separate €15 ticket. Tickets are personal and sold for timed slots on the official website, so bring ID and book ahead in summer. The basilica is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 17:15 (last entry 16:45) and on Sundays and holidays from 14:00; on Sunday mornings only the museum is open. Shoulders and knees must be covered. The ticket also gives free entry to more than 40 other churches in Venice within six months.

St Mark’s Square is in the heart of Venice. The nearest vaporetto stops are San Marco Vallaresso, San Marco Giardinetti and San Zaccaria; line 1 from Venezia Santa Lucia railway station takes about 45 minutes along the Grand Canal, and the walk from the station takes about 40 minutes, following the signs to Rialto and San Marco. On peak days day-trippers must pay the Venice access fee, so check the city’s calendar before your visit. The square is quietest early in the morning and in the evening.