St Mark’s Basilica

St Mark’s Basilica

The St Mark’s Basilica (San Marco)

is a stunning Byzantine building, which dominates the St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) in Venice. The purpose of its construction was to show the power of the Venetian Republic and to guard the tomb of St. Mark, today is one of the main attractions in Venice. Here were conducted funerals, parades and coronations sumptuously framed by over 4000 m2 of tiles, 500 columns and oriental treasures dating from the third century. The west facade is a succession of domes, columns, arches, needles, marble statues and mosaics. The arch over it north has mosaics of the thirteenth century. The mosaics of the narthex were made by artisans with much experience according to the Byzantine tradition and report Old Testament passages. The concentric circles of the dome of the thirteenth century illustrate 24 episodes including the Genesis Creation and Adam and Eve. Dome of the Ascension has the thirteenth century mosaics illustrating the New Testament. The Pala d’Oro is a magnificent altar of gold and encrusted with jewels was made in Constantinople in the year 976. The Summit of Pentecost was probably the first to be decorated. The Museum of the Basilica is inside the famous gilded bronze chariot. Were looted in 1204 these figures equine abrilhantavam that the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Were restored today and shows its glory. A replica is displayed in the museum balcony that overlooks the Piazza San Marco in Venice where visitors can enjoy it. The treasure of the basilica shows part of the eastern conquests of the Venetians stand out crystal goblets-of-rock enameled by medieval goldsmiths. Hotels in Venice

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays (9.45AM-5PM); Sundays (2PM-4PM)

Tickets: Free entrance to Basilica (the St Mark’s Museum, the Pala d’Oro and the Treasure entrances are paid)

Where is St Mark’s Basilica on Map of Venice

Where is St Mark’s Basilica on Map of Venice

San Marco Basilica

St Mark’s Basilica Venice

St Mark’s Basilica

St Mark’s Basilica

St Marks Basilica.Venice