St. Mark's Basilica Cathedral Entry Only: Skip-The-Line Entry Ticket
Explore Venice's iconic symbol and its sacred treasures
- Skip-the-line ticket only for the cathedral
St Mark’s Basilica, Venice Tickets and Information
- St Mark’s Basilica Address: Piazza San Marco 328, 30100, Venice
- Opening Hours: Daily: 09:30 - 17:15
Is St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice worth visiting
- If you like beautiful buildings with incredible architecture that are steeped in history, definitely, yes!
What you see on a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
- One of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world
- The incredible art on the ceiling
- Pala d’Oro
- The famous Terrace
- Loggia dei Cavalli
About St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
St. Mark’s Basilica, also known as Basilica di San Marco is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice, Italy. Located in the Piazza San Marco, adjacent to the equally as famous ‘Doge's Palace’. The basilica is an outstanding example of Byzantine architecture and is renowned for its opulent design, intricate mosaics, and historical significance.
The basilica was originally built in the 9th century to house the relics of Saint Mark, the patron saint of Venice. Legend has it that Venetian merchants stole the saint's remains from Alexandria, Egypt, and brought them to Venice in the 9th century!
St. Mark's Basilica features a unique blend of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architectural styles and its design is characterised by its domes, marble columns, and intricate facade adorned with sculptures and mosaics.
The inside of the basilica is covered with thousands of Byzantine mosaics which depict scenes from the life of Christ, the apostles, and various saints. The mosaics are renowned for their vivid colours and intricate details and cover the walls, ceilings, and domes of the basilica.
The basilica is also full of treasures that have been collected over the centuries, including Byzantine artwork, ancient relics, and other precious artefacts with one of the most famous being the ‘Pala d'Oro’, a stunning altarpiece covered with gold and precious stones. The building also has a treasury which contains a collection of sacred relics and liturgical objects.
Throughout history St. Mark's Basilica has served as a symbol of Venetian wealth, power, and religious devotion. It’s also closely associated with the ‘Doge of Venice’, who used the basilica for important state ceremonies and religious rituals.
St. Mark's Basilica is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice, attracting millions of visitors each year that arrive on the thousands of cruise ships that stop in Venice.
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St. Mark’s Basilica FAQs
- When is the best time to visit St. Mark’s Basilica?
- We would suggest early in the morning or later in the afternoon, where possible. You are never going to be able to avoid the crowds as its one of Venice’s most popular tourist attractions, but early in the morning or later afternoon can be slightly quieter.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance for St. Mark’s Basilica?
- We would always suggest booking tickets in advance to visit St. Mark’s Basilica. This helps you avoid the queues and avoids disappointment. Long queues are very common, especially during the peak summer months.
- Is there a gift shop at St. Mark’s Basilica?
- Yes, there is a small gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.
- What is the Pala d’Oro at St. Mark’s Basilica?
- The Pala d’Oro is a must see in our opinion. It’s the incredible golden altar which is decorated with precious stones.
Useful Information About St. Mark’s Basilica
How to get there
St Mark’s Basilica Address: Basilica di San Marco, San Marco, 328, 30124 Venice, Italy
Tel: +39 041 2708311
Opening Times
- Monday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Tuesday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Wednesday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Thursday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Friday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Saturday: 09:30 - 17:15
- Sunday: 14:00 - 17:15
- Last Admissions being: 16:45
