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 meters) 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.
