St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice – practical information
St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice is the second most visited monument in Italy, after the Colosseum. The church is beautiful and rightly admired by tourists. Its popularity, however, causes long lines at the ticket offices and entrance. To avoid many hours of standing in the crowd, it is worth considering a trip to Venice in the off-season, or using the option of buying a ticket online in advance. It is an extremely convenient option. Unfortunately, also a bit more expensive than buying a ticket at the ticket office on site.
The ticket prices are as follows (price at the box office / online price):
Basilica: 3/6 euro
Basilica + Pala d’Oro (The Golden Altarpiece) : 8/12 euro
Ticket for everything (Basilica, Pala d’Oro, Loggia dei Cavalli Museum and Terrace): 25/20 euro
The church is open from 9.30 am to 5.15 pm. Facing the front of the basilica, the entrance for people who have purchased the „skip the line” option is on the left. For those wishing to buy a ticket on the spot at the ticket office, the entrance is on the right. There are QR codes on the tickets, which we scan at the entrance gate. Keep them because if we decided to see something more, e.g. Golden Altar, we will have to scan them again at the next gate already inside.
If we want to leave our luggage before entering, we can use the luggage room located right next to St. Mark. It is located on the left side of the temple, it is difficult to miss it. The luggage room is open from 9.30-18.30. It is fully automated, the cost is EUR 2.49 for 2 hours + EUR 0.50 administration fee if we book the locker online.
During my visit, I entered the basilica with a small backpack without any problems. The dress code is very restrictive. Remember that pants or a skirt should be below the knees. A blouse or dress should not be on shoulder straps (they must cover the shoulders). In the case of inappropriate outfit, tourists are not allowed in. I myself witnessed how several people did not come inside.
What’s the easiest way to get to the Saint Mark’s Basilica?
You cannot travel by car, bus or bicycle in Venice. The only means of transport are boats (water trams – vaporetti, gondolas, private motor units) or your own legs. If you are using vaporetti, get off at the San Marco stop. When arriving in Venice by train to the Venezia Santa Lucia station, we can use the „Ferrovia” water bus stop. Arriving in Venice by bus, get off at Piazzale Roma and use the stop called „Piazzale Roma”. Line 1 is noteworthy as it will take us to our destination via the Grand Canal. It is an exceptionally picturesque route, you can sail, among others, near Rialto or next to Ca 'd’Oro.
Tip: Vaporetti are operated by ACTV. A single ticket (valid for 75 minutes, you can change ferry during this time) costs EUR 7.50. A 24h ticket is much more profitable (valid 24 hours from its first use). Thanks to it you can also get to the neighboring islands. It costs 21 euros. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines at stops (several language versions available, including English) and at the ticket offices (the latter only at larger stops).
The route can also be covered on foot. It is about 2.2 kilometers, but it will take about 40 minutes because of the numerous bridges. It is well marked, you should pay attention to the arrows pointing to San Marco on the walls of the buildings.
St. Mark’s – why is it worth visiting?
St. Mark’s was built in the 11th century on the site of an earlier temple that burned down in a fire. Located at the square of the same name is famous primarily for its unique mosaics. They come from the 13th-15th century. They amaze visitors who don’t know where to look first. The dominant color is the ubiquitous gold. In the covered vestibule (narthex) we can admire stories from the Old Testament. Inside from the New Testament.
The real treasure of the temple is also the Golden Altar (Pala d’Oro). This is a unique example of gothic goldsmith craftsmanship. The Doge of Venice ordered it in 1102 in Constantinople. The work was completed in 1105. It is carved in gold and full of precious stones (emeralds, sapphires and pearls). Certainly, it is worth buying the additional ticket to the basilica which allows us to see this masterpiece. What is more the ticketed area to see it limits about 1/3 of the basilica. Thanks to this, we will not miss the opportunity to look at the beautifully decorated wooden columns at the altar or the magnificent floor.
Whoever decides to visit the museum will see the originals of Lysippos Steeds, one of the symbols of Venice. The sculpture of 4 horses was created in the 4th century BC. Its authorship is attributed to Lysippos, the legendary Greek sculptor. On the terrace (Loggia dei Cavalli) overlooking St. Mark’s square is a copy of the artwork.
The entire basilica is clad with multi-colored, precious marble. The body of the building is richly decorated. It is worth taking some time to admire all the details.
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