St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

The basics

Popular and perpetually busy, St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous monument in Venice. You can reserve skip-the-line tickets in advance, or book an after-hours tour for private evening access. While the exterior is visited on just about every city sightseeing tour, a guided tour is the best way to experience the interior, given the complexity of its art and architecture.

The basilica, which features a layout modeled after a Greek cross and elements of Byzantine architecture, anchors St. Mark’s Square. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Bridge of Sighs. You can even book St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) tours that are part of a larger package including a gondola ride and a Doge’s Palace tour.

Things to know before you go

• The church has been rebuilt, expanded, and delicately restored over the centuries.

• Like most churches in Italy, St. Mark’s Basilica requires visitors to wear appropriate clothing—make sure your midriffs, knees, and shoulders are not exposed.

• Large bags are not permitted in the basilica. Deposit any luggage at Ateneo di San Basso (in Piazzetta dei Leoncini).

• Both St. Mark's Basilica and the nearby Doge's Palace are wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

The cathedral is on the eastern end of the Piazza San Marco, adjacent to the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) along the Grand Canal. The nearest vaporetto (ferry) stop is San Marco–San Zaccaria.

When to get there

The basilica is most crowded at midday, so aim for a morning or late-afternoon visit. Summer is the busiest time, while Venice is relatively quiet from November through February (aside from the Christmas and New Year holidays, and during Carnival).

The Pala d’Oro

St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is famous for Michelangelo's Pietà and Florence’s Duomo is known for Brunelleschi’s dome, but St. Mark’s Basilica’s greatest treasure—the stunning Pala d'Oro—is older than even those masterpieces. This glittering gold and enamel altarpiece from 976 AD is considered one of the most important, refined examples of Byzantine enamel in the world.

Ways to explore

St. Mark’s Basilica attracts millions of visitors each year, often resulting in long lines to enter. To avoid the crowds and wait times, book a skip-the-line tour by day or opt for an after-hours tour for exclusive evening access. While the exterior is included in almost every Venice walking tour, a guided visit is the best way to experience the cathedral’s interiors, given the complexity of its art and architecture. Many visitors opt for a combination tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, which includes a gondola ride on the Grand Canal.

Accessibility

The basilica, treasury, and museum are all wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None; children up to six years old enter for free.

What to pack

Camera with zoom lens or small binoculars, portable charger or extra battery pack

What to wear

Clothing covering shoulders and knees, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Large bags and backpacks, commercial photography

Amenities

Restroom, souvenir shop

Address

The cathedral is located at the eastern end of Piazza San Marco, adjacent to the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) along the Grand Canal. It’s easy to reach on foot from any Venetian sestiere (neighborhood) or by water bus.

Driving

Cars aren’t allowed inside Venice proper. The nearest parking area is Piazzale Roma, a large transportation hub located at the city’s entrance. It’s where the bus terminal and the main Santa Lucia train station are also located.

Public transportation

Water buses, called vaporetti in Italian, are the only public transportation in Venice and run along the Grand Canal to the San Marco–San Zaccaria stop, steps from St. Mark’s Basilica. Alternatively, you can take a private water taxi.

Best times to visit

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica first thing in the morning or join an after-hours tour to explore it when it is closed to the general public.

Best days to visit

The basilica is closed on Sunday mornings, so Saturdays and Sunday afternoons tend to be particularly crowded. Tour the church Monday–Friday to avoid the weekend throngs.

Best months to visit

The basilica and other Venice sights are packed with tourists during the high-season months from May–September. Visit from October through the winter for a quieter experience.

Special events

Masses and other religious services are held daily throughout the year. The most important celebrations occur on the feast day of St. Mark on April 25.