Basilica di San Marco
Basilica di San Marco
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsChurches & Cathedrals
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Blending the architectural styles of East and West, Venice's magnificent basilica was consecrated in 832 AD as an ecclesiastical building to house the remains of St. Mark.
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The area
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Neighborhood: San Marco
The most famous sestiere (district) in Venice has one of the world's most famous squares, St. Mark's (Piazza San Marco). Anchored on one end by the basilica, clustered around it are restaurants, museums, shops, orchestras playing in the square, pigeons, the grand pink Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), the soaring campanile bell tower, an astrological clock tower, plus gorgeous cafes and restaurants like Florian and Quadri. Piazza San Marco is beloved by Venetians themselves. They book a table anytime, which offers a buffer from the fray. This grand outdoor drawing room attracts Venetians for a stroll too, especially late in the afternoon when the hoards of daytrippers thin out. It's simply a grand place to meet.
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See what travelers are saying
- T KLimerick, Ireland459 contributionsWear appropriate clothingYou will more than likely have to queue for at least 20 minutes unless you get the skip the queue ticket. Entrance fee is €3 per person. We noticed a lot of people being told to cover up as they require clothes that cover the arms and that are below the knees and they enforce this policy. Once inside there are many murals to see and the paintings on the ceiling are really impressive. Inside and outside, this Basilica will grab your attention.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 8, 2023
- ingridj212Bath, United Kingdom515 contributionsBeautiful architecture and breathtaking mosaicWe hadn’t been to the upstairs part of the basilica for a few years, and so up we went. Quite a few steps, but worth it to see the spectacular mosaics up close. Views from the balcony outside are wonderful, so do step out, if you can. We stood in the queue for about 30 minutes, even though we were at least 200 metres from the entrance. It moved very quickly. Cost: 3 euro for just the downstairs, plus 7 euro if you want to go upstairs. Recommended. Very beautiful indeed, with no religion needed. It’s just great art!Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 17, 2023
- Ryan D3 contributionsBeautiful!Fascinating with it covered floor to ceiling of mosaics. We paid on the door which was fine but they catch you out with area being of limits unless you pay extra(only reason for it being 4 stars). The views within and outside on the balcony was incredible.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 19, 2023
- EmmaUnited Kingdom11 contributionsStunning, but too busy and rude tour leadersThe Basilica is absolutely stunning; every mosaic is gorgeous and fascinating and by paying for the museum tour you can get up close to them as well as the balcony overlooking St Mark's Square. However, it was really too busy inside for a comfortable visit. Despite having pre-booked, we still had to queue for half an hour to get into the museum section and upon reaching the front a tour group tried to push in front of us, with the tour leader loudly complaining about how rude everyone was for not letting them in. Sadly this marred what was otherwise a wonderful visit.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 24, 2023
- Ramona TSzombathely, Hungary144 contributionsVisit the horses as wellWe visited the basilica with a guide, we spent 3 hours, packed with explanations, so I can confirm that we are mini-experts :-) Besides the basilica, we visited the museum as well, it was definitely worth it! The mosaics telling stories from the Bible, the horses, the view from the outside gallery, the golden mosaics are all breathtaking. Basilica is packed with symbols, rooting in Christian faith, so you better get equipped with some background knowledge :-) Entry fee is 3 euros, 7 to the museum, worth every cents.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 3, 2023
- Aero3926364 contributionsBook in advance!Reasonable price for ticket (6€ each), helpful staff. Limited area open to visiting. Be sure to book in advance as lines are otherwise long - even prior to opening. We might have taken longer had we had the time, but were able to walk through in about 20 minutes. Unless you have a particular interest in this particular basilica, an hour would be more than enough time.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 5, 2023
- WillUnited Kingdom43 contributionsBook with a GuideBook with a guide as your only way to get in pretty much. A must even if it’s popular - it says a lot about the architecture when you need to take 5 photos of a wall to get everything! It’s worth the extra as well for the terrace. Great views of the square - not to be missed.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 27, 2023
- WeLoveDisneyland296 contributionsMUST SEE inside & out! Get tickets in advance for everythingJust amazing inside and out! Go behind the altar and pay the fee!! If you have time go to the museum, the balcony and the bell tower (separate but worth every minute of your time) great view. I was fascinated with the sinking marble floor- so sad these beautiful places are built on/near water. San Marco Square is very busy- go early if possible. You can easily spend an entire day in this area of Venice.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten November 29, 2023
- AgrippinaNorth Sydney, Australia17 contributionsSan Marco basilicaPreordered tickets for 10am this was a good time-slot as not many people there. The basilica is very grand. Lots of mosaics and art. Our tickets had access to the museum upstairs which boasted a view of the square. We visited for about 45 minutes which we felt was enough to get through the basilica. A few English translations of key parts of basilica. Audioguides available €5.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 5, 2023
- Julie6802Sainte-Julie, Canada655 contributionsMagnificent!Must see in Venice! My 4th time visiting Venice but my first time going inside the basilica. Nice but not a must. My daughter had enough of visiting so many churches during our tour in Italy. Visiting the inside is not a must. Beautiful though!Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 24, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Nisa Ismail
London, UK11 contributions
Jul 2019
I must say just standing outside and admiring the architecture of the church was the best part of seeing it. The inside was slightly underwhelming.
Entry to the church is free but all of the interesting things you might want to see (like the church treasury) come at an extra cost. It's only a couple of euro's here and there so we would've been happy to pay if we'd known prior - bring change & smaller notes! Without paying for any of these little extra's we walked around the whole church in about 20 minutes, (after queuing for 30!)
They are strict on the dress code at all churches in Italy to cover up - although you can purchase a shawl on entry. Overall, its free so definitely worth going inside if you have time to kill, but the outside is the best part!
Entry to the church is free but all of the interesting things you might want to see (like the church treasury) come at an extra cost. It's only a couple of euro's here and there so we would've been happy to pay if we'd known prior - bring change & smaller notes! Without paying for any of these little extra's we walked around the whole church in about 20 minutes, (after queuing for 30!)
They are strict on the dress code at all churches in Italy to cover up - although you can purchase a shawl on entry. Overall, its free so definitely worth going inside if you have time to kill, but the outside is the best part!
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clare w
Fallbrook, CA67 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
This is a must go to .
I suggest this approach . Go early in the morning so lines are shorter. The guided tour is good but after seeing the interior go to the museum upstairs ( the stairs are narrow and very steep) but once up top you can pay
2 E and put headphones on to choose different areas of interest that you would like to learn info about... they are all short and interesting. A great value. You can then walk thru the gallery and go outside on the deck to get a spectacular view of San Marco square as well as a canal view . You will be right up close and personal for a picture with the four huge horses that are there as a great photo op !
I suggest this approach . Go early in the morning so lines are shorter. The guided tour is good but after seeing the interior go to the museum upstairs ( the stairs are narrow and very steep) but once up top you can pay
2 E and put headphones on to choose different areas of interest that you would like to learn info about... they are all short and interesting. A great value. You can then walk thru the gallery and go outside on the deck to get a spectacular view of San Marco square as well as a canal view . You will be right up close and personal for a picture with the four huge horses that are there as a great photo op !
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoonaMuslim
739 contributions
Aug 2019
St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) from the 11th century, is not only a sight in Venice, probably one of the most fascinating churches in the world. Regardless of religion, origin or culture, when visiting Venice this attraction is a must.
After several conversions over centuries, the Basilica di San Marco was built in the Venetian Gothic style at the beginning of the 17th century.
Due to the large number of tourists and queues, it is advisable to book tickets for sightseeing online in advance. And when they come in the early morning, there aren't that many tourists on the square and in the basilica.
Depending on how interested you are in art and architecture, you can quickly spend 3 hours in the basilica. It is possible to book a tour on the terrace, then you can see St. Mark's Square slightly elevated.
The facade of Basilica di San Marco is impressive from the outside. A richly decorated decoration with marble, innumerable columns of marble and other stone, mosaic-decorated arches, and innumerable sculptures. Offers a great sight!
The church is divided into three naves by powerful pillars and columns. The ceiling consists of five domes. Impressively designed!
The floor is made of marble mosaics and the wall in the lower areas is covered with marble slabs. The upper part of the walls and the ceiling are richly decorated with mosaics and pictures. The many figures and the high altar are equally impressive.
After several conversions over centuries, the Basilica di San Marco was built in the Venetian Gothic style at the beginning of the 17th century.
Due to the large number of tourists and queues, it is advisable to book tickets for sightseeing online in advance. And when they come in the early morning, there aren't that many tourists on the square and in the basilica.
Depending on how interested you are in art and architecture, you can quickly spend 3 hours in the basilica. It is possible to book a tour on the terrace, then you can see St. Mark's Square slightly elevated.
The facade of Basilica di San Marco is impressive from the outside. A richly decorated decoration with marble, innumerable columns of marble and other stone, mosaic-decorated arches, and innumerable sculptures. Offers a great sight!
The church is divided into three naves by powerful pillars and columns. The ceiling consists of five domes. Impressively designed!
The floor is made of marble mosaics and the wall in the lower areas is covered with marble slabs. The upper part of the walls and the ceiling are richly decorated with mosaics and pictures. The many figures and the high altar are equally impressive.
Written June 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joerg t
George, South Africa61 contributions
Aug 2020
Markusdom was closed for tourists.
The only possibility was to go in the Markusdom Museum. For an entrancefee of 5€ you could go in a very tiny museum, which had a walkingdistance of ca 30meters.. Exept for four horses in one corner some mosaicpictures on your way out and a woodenmodel of the church definately nothing to see for tourists, which are not specially interested in mosaicpictures. As i "tried" to make a picture of the horses with my mobile a "very agressive watchmen stormt to me shouting in italian language, an italian family beside us where shocked about this situation how we where treated.. Even if there was a sign, not to take pictures, it is no excuse for very aggresive behavior. suggested time to visit that museum, ca 5-10minutes
The only possibility was to go in the Markusdom Museum. For an entrancefee of 5€ you could go in a very tiny museum, which had a walkingdistance of ca 30meters.. Exept for four horses in one corner some mosaicpictures on your way out and a woodenmodel of the church definately nothing to see for tourists, which are not specially interested in mosaicpictures. As i "tried" to make a picture of the horses with my mobile a "very agressive watchmen stormt to me shouting in italian language, an italian family beside us where shocked about this situation how we where treated.. Even if there was a sign, not to take pictures, it is no excuse for very aggresive behavior. suggested time to visit that museum, ca 5-10minutes
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Igor
New York City, NY6 contributions
Sep 2019
Saint Mark's is a must see when you're in Venice - it's an extravaganza of gold, marble, glass and Murano mosaics. There is always a queue to enter - but it's longest in the morning so plan a visit for late afternoon. Visit the "treasure" area (with a charge ) . Be sure also to visit to loggia (5,00 euro) where there are magnificent views of St Mark's inside, & then walk out onto the roof to view St Mark's piazza.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tillysharpe24
64 contributions
Jul 2020
The museum was closed due to COVID-19 so i think the prices we were charged (5 Euros per person) was unfair as you only got to go upstairs and briefly look at Venice from the balcony however, this was rammed with people so we didn't stay for long. We still queued for over 1 hour.
The view of the museum from outside is absolutely breath taking.
The view of the museum from outside is absolutely breath taking.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale-icious
Manchester, UK566 contributions
Sep 2019
Tickets purchased in advance is highly recommended. We were granted access at a specified time without queueing.
Note: Appropriate clothing when visiting the Basilica is advised. If you have your knees or shoulders showing, you’ll be asked to buy a plastic wrap. Also, visitors with large luggage will not be allowed access; however, luggage can be stored using free lockers located in Ateneo San Basso (Piazzetta dei Leoncini).
Note: Appropriate clothing when visiting the Basilica is advised. If you have your knees or shoulders showing, you’ll be asked to buy a plastic wrap. Also, visitors with large luggage will not be allowed access; however, luggage can be stored using free lockers located in Ateneo San Basso (Piazzetta dei Leoncini).
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will Jones
Manchester, UK4 contributions
Apr 2019
Of the many basilicas that I have visited in Italy, this one has a special touch. I advise a complete guided tour to understand the iconography and meaning of each of the elements, as well as to save time in queues and quickly see the architectural monument of supreme religious nature.
As anywhere you need to enter the building with covered shoulders and knees, but they offer you a cape/scarf for a small fee. In addition, you cannot carry large bags or backpacks, but there is an area next to the inhabited basilica for it.
As anywhere you need to enter the building with covered shoulders and knees, but they offer you a cape/scarf for a small fee. In addition, you cannot carry large bags or backpacks, but there is an area next to the inhabited basilica for it.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maggie B
Wolverhampton27 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We went in February and didn't queue to enter at all. Although it's free to go in you can pay for access to other areas e.g. €3 for the treasury, wasnt really impressed by this part so then didnt bother doing the altar - there was a queue and didn't mention how much this extra was. I would however recommend paying the €5 to go up to the museum. (Up a flight of fairly steep staircase if you are unsteady on your feet) This was interesting, you got a close up view of the gold mosaic ceiling, the original horse statues and finally a walk round the roof top which provided lovely views of St Marks Square and the Grand Canal. We enjoyed the Basilica, but in our opinion didn't rate it as good as other Basilicas/Cathedrals we'd visited such at St Peter's in Rome, the Cathedral in Prague or Sagrada Famalia in Barcelona.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marblestone
6 contributions
Sep 2020
We bought online an expensive combinded ticket for st marcs dome and the doges palace in order to shortcut the queues. Entry into the doges palace was OK, but at the st marcs dome the warden declared that the dome is closed for visits (which was not indicated on the online reservation formulaire). We only could buy for an extra fee a ticket to climb up to the loggia of the dome and a dull museum.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buenas, por internet no me dan opción de entrada con acá eso a la terraza, puedo comprar el acceso a la terraza en el interior sin colas? Gracias
Written October 20, 2024
Buenas! You can buy tickets for museum and\or to the terrace in the Basilica.
Written October 22, 2024
Does anyone know where I can buy a online ticket for the Saint Mark's Basilica?
Written July 18, 2024
If I buy a skip the line ticket just for the basilica (online), is it then possible to buy tickets for museum and the terrace ince i'm inside ??
Written July 10, 2024
Sure you can buy it after entering the “main” Basilica. They setup a ticketing just before museum and balcony.
Written July 12, 2024
If you see the Museum on a Sunday before 2:00 p.m., would you have to go back outside to then enter the Basilica after 2:00 p.m., or is there an entrance to the Basilica inside from the Museum?
Written April 14, 2024
The entrances of the museum and the Basilica are separated, and not that close to one another!
Written April 16, 2024
We also want to attend the sung mass at 10:00 on Sunday. Was there a cue to enter? Do we have to arrive early? How long did the mass last, if you remember?
Written January 26, 2024
No queue…at least an hour. Peace.
Written January 29, 2024
Is there a cue to attend Sunday sung mass at 10:00?
Written January 26, 2024
Hi
I am wondering if they changed the policy and now it is allowed to take photos inside the Basilica as on the Basilica webpage it states: "Professional and non-private use photographing and filming is forbidden". So what about non-professional for private use?
Written November 21, 2023
We took pictures. Everyone did.....without any flash.
Written November 21, 2023
Bonjour,
Peut on réserver une visite de la basilique avec coupe file mais sans guide
Written May 20, 2023
C'est ce que j'ai fais
J'ai réservé la visite libre à l'office de tourisme, j'ai pris l'entrée des personnes ayant leur billet = pas d'attente
Pas besoin de guide, il suffit de suivre les flèches pour voir tout
Written May 21, 2023
We are planning to attend the Saturday 6:45pm mass. Do we need to get there very early?
From my understanding, tickets are not needed to enter on the north side for prayers or mass. Is this correct?
Written March 14, 2022
I am afraid I have no idea as I did not attend a service in October and COVID protocols were stricter at that time.
Written March 15, 2022
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