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Basilica di San Marco, Venice

4.4

#3 of 196 in Historic Sites in Venice

Architectural Building Landmark Must See

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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 .

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Basilica di San Marco Reviews

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27,564 reviews

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4.7

3,738 likes

• By Tyumen1971

  Nous n'avons pas aimé... Heureusement que nous avons pu y entrer sans faire la queue (heure du déjeuner) et sans payer les billets coupes files. Vraiment, elle ne vaut pas le détour contrairement à to...  more »

  We didn't like it... Fortunately we were able to get in without queuing (lunch time) and without paying the tickets cut lines. Really, it is not worth the detour unlike all the other splendours of this absolutely beautiful city.
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• By _marylerom

  Con sus paredes totalmente decoradas, tonos dorados que imitan el estilo bizantino. La entrada es gratuita y por la mañana se forma bastante fila, mejor después de comer. Hay taquillas gratuitas para ...  more »

  With its walls fully decorated, golden tones that mimic the Byzantine style. Admission is free and in the morning it forms quite a row, better after eating. Free lockers are available for large backpacks.
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