My name is Neta Gimpel, and I have been working in the tourism industry for over 13 years. Today I manage partnerships with leading travel service providers – from car rentals and insurance to hotels, airlines, local guides, and top attractions worldwide. In addition, I am an active travel blogger and an expert who lives and breathes travel every day. If you are planning a trip and want to make it comfortable, well-planned, and truly unforgettable, I will be happy to help. Let’s turn your travel dream into reality!
Saint Mark’s Basilica
Saint Mark’s Basilica, also known as the Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant mosaics, it is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Venice. This expert guide provides all the essential information for planning your visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica.
Historical Background
According to ancient tradition, Saint Mark was caught in a storm near the island that would later become Venice while he was returning from Aquileia to Rome. In a dream, an angel appeared to him and predicted that he would one day rest in these places. This prophecy came true in 829 when two Venetian merchants stole Saint Mark’s relics from Alexandria and brought them to Venice. This established the city’s spiritual connection to the saint.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryArchitectural Highlights
Saint Mark’s Basilica showcases a unique blend of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture. Here are some key features you shouldn’t miss:
- Mosaics: The interior of the basilica is adorned with over 8,000 square meters of intricate mosaics depicting biblical scenes and saints. The vivid colors and detailed artwork provide a mesmerizing experience.
- Pala d’Oro: This stunning altarpiece, dating back to the 10th century, is made of gold, enamels, and precious stones. It is a masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship.
- The Horses of Saint Mark: Originally from the Hippodrome of Constantinople, these bronze horses now stand as replicas above the main entrance, while the originals are displayed inside the basilica.
Visiting Tips and Practical Information
Dress Code and Conduct
- Visitors are required to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing or brightly colored outfits.
- Suitcases and large bags are not allowed inside but can be stored at Ateneo San Basso on the Piazzetta dei Leoncini.
- Photography and videography are prohibited inside the basilica.
- Maintain a quiet demeanor to respect the sanctity of the site.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
Lighting and Viewing Times
The interior of the basilica is lit from 11:30 to 12:45 on weekdays and during liturgical celebrations on Sundays and holidays. This is the best time to fully appreciate the beauty of the mosaics.
How to Get There
From Piazzale Roma: Take the water transport (vaporetto) lines 1 (about 40 minutes), 51 (about 20 minutes), or 2 (about 30 minutes). If you prefer walking, the journey takes about 40 minutes.
From Santa Lucia Train Station: Use the water bus lines 1 (approximately 35 minutes), 51 (about 25 minutes), or 2 (about 25 minutes). Walking will take about 40 minutes.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for ItalyOpening Hours and Ticket Prices
Oct 29 – Apr 15:
- Basilica: 9:30–17:00, Sun & holidays: 14:00–16:30
- Museum, Pala d’Oro, Treasury: 9:45–16:45, Sun & holidays: 14:00–16:30
- Tickets: Basilica free, Museum 5€, Pala d’Oro 2€, Treasury 3€
Apr 16 – Oct 28:
- Basilica: 9:30–17:00, Sun & holidays: 14:00–17:00
- Museum, Pala d’Oro, Treasury: 9:35–17:00, Sun & holidays: 14:00–17:00
- Tickets: Basilica free, Museum 5€, Pala d’Oro 2€, Treasury 3€
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
Customer Experience Manager
Service cost: from only $420. (Special price for short itineraries up to 5 days). Clients tell us the itinerary saves them costly mistakes, fines, wrong choices – plus exclusive discounts on car rentals, better-priced accommodations, and money-saving local tips.
Latest articles
Kaprun Dam (Hochgebirgsstauseen)
Kaprun Dam (Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen) is a high-altitude reservoir complex set […]
