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 195 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

28,392 reviews

facebook

4.7

3 likes

• By John B

  If you ever visit Italy, i recommend you to visit the Basilica di San Marco, is an amazing place and a must visit on everyone's list!  more »

• By dms1927

  This was really busy in the day but after the cruise ships had gone it was really nice to walk around  more »

See more on TripAdvisor »

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.