St. Mark's Basilica
328 P.za San Marco Venezia
St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice. Originally constructed in 828 AD to house the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, the basilica has been rebuilt and embellished over centuries, with the current structure completed in 1094. It stands as a stunning example of Italo-Byzantine architecture, blending Eastern and Western artistic influences. The basilica holds the relics of St. Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark and the patron saint of Venice, which were smuggled from Alexandria to Venice in the 9th century.
Inside, visitors can admire over 8,000 square meters of golden mosaics that illuminate biblical scenes and Venetian history. The church has served as the religious heart of Venice for nearly a millennium—first as the private chapel of the Doge, and now as the city’s official cathedral.
Entrance to the basilica is free, but there is a fee for access to specific areas like the museum, treasury, and the balcony overlooking St. Mark’s Square.
Recommended Nearby:
Church of Santa Maria del Rosario
The Church of Santa Maria del Rosario, commonly known as the Gesuati, was founded in the early 18th century by the Dominican Order. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and celebrates the spiritual power of the Rosary, embodying a rich tradition of Marian devotion.
Church of Santa Maria della Salute
The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute was built in 1631 as a thank-you to the Virgin Mary after a devastating plague in 1630. When the disease finally passed, Venetians fulfilled their promise and began construction as an act of gratitude.
See Also:
Basilica of St. Peter of Castello
The Basilica of St Peter of Castello is one of the oldest churches in Venice, with its earliest structures estimated to date back to the 7th century. Dedicated to Saint Peter, known as the “head of the apostles” and the first pope, this basilica once served as the official cathedral of Venice before St Mark’s Basilica took on that role.
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