St. Mark's Basilica Tours and Activities

St. Mark\'s Basilica which includes heritage architecture
St. Mark\'s Basilica showing night scenes, heritage architecture and nightlife
St. Mark\'s Basilica which includes religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
St. Mark\'s Basilica featuring a church or cathedral, religious elements and heritage architecture
St. Mark's Basilica


Gilded mosaics, a jewel-encrusted screen and magnificent Byzantine architecture make this cathedral one of the most stunning attractions in Venice.

Approach St. Mark’s Square from any angle and, on a fine day, you’ll see the golden spires of St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica San Marco) glimmer in the sunlight. This is why the locals call this the Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold). As you get closer, you’ll see the many sculptures, reliefs and mosaics of the ornate facade. This church is a spectacular example of Byzantine architecture.

Before you enter, stop to admire the Romanesque carvings that adorn the arches around the central doorway, or “portal.” The middle arch has allegorical figures of the months and signs of the zodiac, while the outer arches depict Venetian trades. Above the portal to the left is the mosaic The Translation of the Body of St. Mark to the Basilica, which tells of when the evangelist’s remains were stolen from Alexandria and relocated here in 828.

Pass through the bronze doors into the narthex (vestibule), where the scenes from the Old Testament are the oldest mosaics in the church. Prepare to be dazzled as you make your way into the basilica’s main space, in the shape of a Greek cross. Over 86,000 square feet (8,000 square metres) of mosaics with 24-carat gold inlays cover the interior, from floor to ceiling. Some of the most popular depictions are the Apostles with the Madonna beside the main door, and the Ascension in the central dome.

At the back of the church, see the most valuable of its treasures. Behind the altar, which contains the remains of St. Mark, is the Pala d’Oro (the Golden Altar Panel). It is studded with thousands of precious stones, including rubies, emeralds and pearls, and inlayed with images of saints.

In the treasury you can see numerous examples of items looted from Venetian crusades to Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). It also contains relics of several different saints, including what is said to be a lock of the Virgin Mary’s hair.

St. Mark’s Basilica is open daily, with reduced hours on Sundays. Entry is free, but for some areas, such as the treasury, a small fee applies. In April through October, free guided tours are available every day except Sundays and national holidays.

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Best Lodging Options Near St. Mark's Basilica

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Hotel Montecarlo

Hotel Montecarlo

3 out of 5
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Colombina Hotel

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Royal San Marco Hotel

Royal San Marco Hotel

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. Mark's Basilica

While visiting St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, be sure to indulge in boating activities along the picturesque canals and immerse yourself in the stunning art and architecture of the basilica. This iconic landmark offers some of the best sightseeing opportunities in the city, making it a must-see on your trip to Venice. Don't miss the chance to explore the surrounding area filled with charming cafés and shops.

Shopping

The Rialto Market, 644m from St. Mark's Basilica, offers a lively atmosphere with local produce and goods. T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi, just 483m away, features a variety of shops and entertainment options. For unique finds, visit Libreria Acqua Alta, also 483m from the basilica.

Recreation

Marina di Venezia, a family-friendly aquatic centre 8.0km from St. Mark's Basilica, offers refreshing water activities. Vivaldi Church, just 161m away, hosts delightful music concerts for entertainment. For wellness and relaxation, San Giuliano Park, located 6.4km away, provides lush green spaces for leisurely strolls.

Adventure

For adventure near St. Mark's Basilica, visit Caribe Bay, a thrilling waterpark located 20.9km away, offering fun for the whole family. Explore E4 - Il GiraSile biking trail, 16.1km away, or hike the scenic Passeggiata Lungo il Fiume Sile, situated 25.7km from the basilica.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife near St. Mark's Basilica with a visit to Teatro Malibran, Piccolo Teatro Delle Melodie Veneziane, or Teatro Rossini. Each venue, just 483m away, offers a blend of culture and romance, perfect for families and those seeking entertainment in the heart of Venice.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near St. Mark's Basilica

If you're visiting St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, you'll find a wealth of cultural and historical attractions nearby. Explore the stunning church itself, the historic palace, and art museums that showcase the rich heritage of the city. Whether you're seeking outdoor experiences or a deeper understanding of Venetian culture, St. Mark's area has it all. Don't miss the opportunity to discover nearby attractions that highlight the beauty of this iconic location in Italy.

  • St. Mark's Square: This vibrant piazza is the heart of Venice, surrounded by stunning architecture and bustling with life. It's an ideal spot to soak in the local culture, enjoy a coffee at a historic café, and marvel at the impressive St. Mark's Basilica itself.
  • Grand Canal: Known as the main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal offers a picturesque setting for a romantic gondola ride. Lined with beautiful buildings and bustling with friendly locals and visitors, it captures the essence of Venetian charm.
  • Rialto Bridge: One of Venice's most iconic structures, this historic bridge provides a unique perspective of the Grand Canal. Its vibrant market atmosphere and rich cultural history make it a must-see for any traveler.

Best time to go to St. Mark's Basilica

The best time to visit St. Mark's Basilica can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around St. Mark's Basilica falls in July and August. August has average visitor numbers and sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around St. Mark's Basilica falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
September69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Mark's Basilica

To save money on your trip to St. Mark's Basilica, visit during the off-peak months of January, February, or November when prices are lower. Book your accommodation at least a month in advance for the best deals, and consider Tuesdays for cheaper rates. Utilize Expedia’s tools to find last-minute deals and filter for budget-friendly or eco-certified hotels. For transportation, Venice’s compact layout makes walking a great option, and public transport is affordable. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can also lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Mark's Basilica are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around St. Mark's Basilica is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Mark's Basilica is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Mark's Basilica is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near St. Mark's Basilica with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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