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St Mark’s Basilica

Last updated: 29 March, 2024

Surely the most exquisite place of worship in Italy, St Mark’s is a cathedral built to satisfy the wildest dreams of the Doges.

Built in the 11th century to house the alleged remains of St Mark, its Byzantine mosaics, Gothic carvings and sumptuous treasures were accumulated during many centuries of Venetian trading and looting.

From the Pala d’Oro (jewel-encrusted altarpiece, made in Costantinopoli in 976) to its wealth of sculptures and magnificent bronze horses rearing over the piazza, its OTT opulence, both inside and out, it is a testament to La Serenissima’s power and might.

Don’t miss

Zip up in the lift to the top of the 99-metre campanile, or bell tower (separate ticket, open daily year round) for views that take in the whole city, its lagoon and, on a clear day, the distant Dolomite mountains.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Who to go with: organised tours

14

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Legendary Venice St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge's Palace

  • Venice

Delve into Venetian history on a tour showcasing the city's most iconic structures—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—as an expert guide sheds light on the stories behind both iconic attractions. Skip the line into the legendary St. Mark's Basilica, where you’ll wander through the mosaic-clad interior and even step onto the balcony overlooking Piazza San Marco—reserved for only a select few! Then, continue to the Doge's Palace and step into the political heart of a powerful empire.

Price €105

Min age 0

Rating 4.67 / 5 [3758 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Venice in 1 Day: Walking Tour, St Mark's basilica & Boat tour

  • Venice

If it’s your first time in Venice, see all the highlights of this magical city on a combination walking including St Mark's Basilica and a boat tour on the Grand Canal. From Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) to the Rialto Bridge, your informative guide will offer historical perspectives on this fascinating medieval city. Plus, you'll skip the long lines at St Mark's Basilica – there’s no need to waste time waiting in lines when you're on vacation!

Price €107

Min age 0

Rating 4.15 / 5 [3331 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace

  • Venice

Explore St Mark’s Basilica without the crowds on an after-hours tour, and enjoy an optional visit to Doge's Palace (if selected at the time of booking). Inside St Mark’s Basilica, admire treasured mosaics and a Byzantine altarpiece, and then follow your guide into the crypt where St Mark himself is believed to rest. Upgrade for late access to the Doge’s Palace by selecting the upgrade option at time of booking. With this option learn about the Higher Council Hall, the Doge's apartments, and the Bridge of Sighs as you explore. Please note that there may be a break of up to 1 hour between your Doge’s Palace tour and your exclusive After Hour Visit, due to temporary earlier closing time at the Doge’s Palace. Your guide in this case will provide bar/restaurant recommendations

Price €78

Min age 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [1009 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip-the-Line: Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica Fully Guided Tour

  • Venice

Our Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica tour is perfect for visitors with only a limited time in Venice, who want to get a true taste of the city. In just a few hours we take you to the most famous sites of the city, seeing the Rialto Bridge and venturing inside St, Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Price €89

Min age 0

Rating 4.38 / 5 [845 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica Tour

  • Venice

Take a 2-hour tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Cathedral, two must-visit Venice monuments. With a guide, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the Venetian doges, the elected officials who ruled the city for centuries. A tour not only to see Venice, but to experience this city through its history and glorious past, still shining in its historical sites and legendary characters.

Price €103

Min age 0

Rating 4.25 / 5 [427 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Venice

  • Veneto, Italy

Venice

Destination guide

Venice

Crammed with picturesque canals, Renaissance palazzos and artistic masterpieces, this unique and alluring city is heaven-on-earth for art lovers and romantics.

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