The golden spires of St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) mark their unique profile on the Venetian skyline from all angles. Known locally as the Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold), this spectacular Byzantine church is one of the most recognisable sights of central Venice.Approached across St Mark’s Square, the lavishly decorated façade makes an immediate impression with its ornate covering of sculptures and mosaics. The arches of the central doorway feature Romanesque carvings depicting Venetian trades and allegorical figures representing the signs of the zodiac. To the left of the portal, the mosaic “The Translation of the Body of St Mark” tells the remarkable story of the journey of the evangelist’s remains from Alexandria to Venice in 828.The oldest mosaics in the basilica, featuring Old Testament scenes, are to be found in the narthex (vestibule), which leads into the main part of the building, shaped like a Greek cross and covered in over 8,000 square metres of dazzling mosaics inlaid with 24-carat gold. Among the most impressive are depictions of the Apostles with the Madonna near to the main door, and the central dome’s breathtaking interpretation of the Ascension.Some of the basilica’s most important and interesting artefacts can be viewed in the treasury. Here you will find items looted from Constantinople by Venetian crusaders, as well as saintly relics including a lock of hair reputed to belong to the Virgin Mary. Behind the altar are the remains of St Mark the evangelist, alongside the priceless Pala d’Oro (Golden Altar Panel), studded with precious jewels and inlaid with images of the saints.St Mark’s Basilica is open every day with reduced hours on Sundays. Entry to the church is free but there is a small charge to view the treasury and some other parts of the building. Free guided tours are offered from April to October, excluding Sundays and national holidays.
St. Mark's Basilica Tours and Activities
Visit St. Mark's Basilica
Cruises & boat tours
See all 72 activitiesOpens in new tabVenetian Islands Half-Day Boat Tour: Murano, Burano & Torcello
Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
3.9 out of 5 with 1641 reviews
Free cancellation available
Shopping & fashion
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabVenetian Islands Half-Day Boat Tour: Murano, Burano & Torcello
Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
3.9 out of 5 with 1641 reviews
Free cancellation available
Classes & workshops
See all 39 activitiesOpens in new tabMurano Glass Factory Tour & Hands-On Workshop
Activity duration is 2 hours
3.6 out of 5 with 94 reviews
Free cancellation available
Private & custom tours
See all 213 activitiesOpens in new tabMurano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat
Activity duration is 5 hours
4.5 out of 5 with 147 reviews
Free cancellation available
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 108 activitiesOpens in new tabEat Like a Local: 3-hour Venice Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour
Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
4.7 out of 5 with 33 reviews
Free cancellation available
Popular places to visit
St Mark's Campanile
4.5/5(102 reviews)
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of this landmark bell tower, where Galileo once made his name.
St. Mark's Square
4.5/5(177 reviews)
Surround yourself in Venetian splendour as you soak up the heady atmosphere of the city’s social and cultural hub.
Procuratie Nuove
A historic building looming over the arcades of St. Mark’s Square, this is a necessary stop during your visit to the area.
Doge's Palace
4.5/5(104 reviews)
The walls of this grand palace are steeped in the history of Venice’s powerful and wealthy ruling classes.
Bridge of Sighs
4.5/5(135 reviews)
Arching high over the water, linking a palace with a prison, is a spectacular bridge steeped in local legends.
Museo Correr
You can study the exhibits at Museo Correr, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Venice. Stroll along the marina or visit the churches in the area.
Top St. Mark's Basilica Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to St. Mark's Basilica
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Piazza San Marco 1107, Calle del Cavalletto, Venice, VE
Hotel Montecarlo
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
The St. Regis Venice
Campo Barozzi, San Marco 2159, Venice, VE
Hotel Bella Venezia
San Marco 4710 - Calle Dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
Hotel Bisanzio
Riva degli Schiavoni, Calle della Pieta, 3651, Venice, VE
Hotel Rialto
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
Colombina Hotel
Castello, Calle Del Remedio 4416, Venice, VE
Antico Panada
Calle degli Specchieri 646, Venice, VE
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.