- St. Marks Basilica
- St. Mark’s Campanile
- St. Mark’s Museum
- History
- Architecture
- Pala d'Oro
- St. Mark's Basilica Highlights
St. Mark's Basilica Tickets
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Guided Tour of St. Marks Basilica with Priority Entry
- Get priority entry with a special lane to the St. Mark's Basilica.
- Your expert tour guide will narrate stories and legends about the church, highlighting its rich history.
- The tour begins on the ground floor and takes you to the St. Mark’s Museum.
Inclusions
- Entrance to the Basilica.
- Visit to the Basilica's terrace and St. Mark's Museum.
- Shared guided tour with commentary.
- Audio guide (in case the tour group exceeds 10 participants).
- This tour will not be operational in case of exceptionally high tide or in case of religious functions (in both these cases the visit can be postponed or a refund will be provided).
- On festivity days, the Holy Mass takes place on the ground floor, and it is possible to view the mosaics partially from the first floor.
- This is not a private tour and is to be shared with other guests not belonging to the same part.
- If there is a high turnout or for reasons of high tide or security problems, the waiting time to access St. Mark’s Basilica may be slightly longer than expected. In such cases, please do line up and respect the instructions provided by the guide.
- Due to security reasons, you cannot enter the Basilica with luggage or big bags.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Skip-the-Line Tickets to St. Mark's Basilica
- With these tickets, gain skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica, the most notable religious cathedral in Venice.
- Situated in the bustling Piazza San Marco, visit this must-see church with its 5 ornate domes, world-famous golden mosaics, and intricate sculptures.
- The Pala d'Oro is an altar in the church known to be the world's sole example of undamaged Gothic goldsmithing, inlaid with precious gems and stones.
- Upgrade your experience by including access to the gilded Pala d'Oro, one of the best expressions of Byzantine genius.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark's Basilica
- Access to Pala D’Oro (optional)
- Audio guide (optional)
- Tip: Plan to visit the Basilica on a weekday as crowds are sparse then, and you will comfortably be able to soak up the church in its entirety.
- Strict Dress Code: please dress for a place of worship, and make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combo (Save 5%): St. Mark’s Basilica + St. Mark’s Bell Tower Tickets
- Get this cost-effective combo that gives you access to 2 of Venice's must-see attractions – the St. Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark's Bell Tower.
- Enjoy skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the city's most visited landmarks known for its Byzantine architecture.
- Explore the 'Golden Church', famous for its dominant golden mosaics and stunning architecture.
- At the St. Mark's Bell Tower, explore all sections including the loggetta, adorned with statues of ancient Roman deities.
- Admire the 5 great bells of St. Mark in this 16th-century tower, the tallest building in Venice.
Inclusions
St. Mark’s Basilica
- Skip-the-line admission to St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark’s Bell Tower
- Access to all parts of St. Mark's Bell Tower
St. Mark’s Basilica
- Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and Venetian crafts near St. Mark's Square. Visit the shops around Calle Larga XXII Marzo too.
- Strict Dress Code: Dress appropriately as this is a worship place, and ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
St. Mark’s Bell Tower
- Tip: Near the Bell Tower, find authentic local delicacies in the Castello or Cannaregio districts such as 'sarde in saor' or 'fegato alla veneziana'.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Elevators.
- Strict Dress Code: Please wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders.
- Adults should compulsorily accompany minors.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Venice Icons Tour: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Priority Entry
- Tour the top attractions of Venice: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica with an expert tour guide.
- Get priority entry at both attractions and tours available in English, German, Spanish, and French.
- With this ticket, explore other museums around St Mark's Square – from Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, and more.
Inclusions
- Expert tour guide (English/German/French/Spanish)
- Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace
- Skip-the-line entry into Doge’s Palace & Basilica
- Audio receiver device (for tour groups over 10 guests)
- Tip: It is recommended that customers who are not familiar with Venice give themselves ample time to find the meeting points.
- This tour will not be operational in case of exceptionally high tide or in case of religious functions (in both these cases the visit can be postponed or a refund will be provided).
- This is not a private tour and is to be shared with other guests.
- If there is a high turnout or security problems, the waiting time to access St. Mark’s Basilica may be longer than expected. In such cases, please line up and respect the instructions provided by the guide.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Skip-the-Line Tickets to St. Mark’s Basilica & Pala d’Oro with Audio Guide
- With these combination tickets, you can save money while accessing an audio guide for St. Mark's Basilica, skipping the lines, and exploring its domes and iconic mosaic.
- Marvel at the altar, covered in jewels and rocks, standing 2.12 meters tall over 2 tiers.
- Get fast-track passes for Venice's St. Mark's Basilica, a cathedral with 5 domes, famous mosaics, and detailed sculptures.
- Find the Pala d'Oro, a church altar, famed as the sole complete sample of Gothic goldwork, decorated with gems.
Inclusions
Audio Guide to St. Mark’s Basilica
- 25-minute audio guide to St. Mark’s Basilica
- Audio guide in 10 languages
St.Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica with Audio Guide
- Tip: The audio guide likely follows a logical path through the basilica. Stick to this path to ensure you don't miss any important details or sections.
St.Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Tip: The basilica's ceilings are adorned with intricate mosaics and artwork. Remember to look up to fully appreciate the stunning details on the domes and ceilings.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Guided Tour of St. Mark's Basilica with Gondola Ride
- Glide through the canals on a 30-minute gondola ride and discover the city's opulent charm from a unique perspective.
- Spot iconic landmarks as you float past the Mozart House, La Fenice Theatre, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Salute Church, and more.
- Uncover the secrets of St. Mark's Basilica on a guided tour of this ancient cathedral dating back to 1092 AD.
- Take a leisurely 3-hour break between the tours to explore the city, indulge in local delicacies, or simply soak up the Venetian vibes.
- Marvel at the fascinating Italo-Byzantine and Gothic architecture of the iconic landmark with priority access to avoid the crowds.
Inclusions
- Expert tour guide
- 30-min Gondola ride
- Skip-the-line entry into St. Mark’s Basilica & Pala d'Oro
- Shared guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
- Expert tour guide
- Map & descriptions of the Palaces
- Audio receiver devices (tour group > 10)
Exclusions
- Commentary during the gondola ride.
- Food and beverages.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Alone in St. Mark's Basilica with Optional Doge's Palace
- This special access tour will let visitors experience the beauty of St. Mark's Basilica without the noisy crowds.
- You can see a jaw-dropping 43,000 square feet of golden mosaics in the church.
- The guide will also take the guests to the famous Pala d'Oro altarpiece that’s decorated with nearly 2,000 precious gems.
- Visit St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Crypt, Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square, and the legendary Marciana Library in this 1.5-hour tour.
- The tour guide will use a storytelling approach to help visitors visualize the construction of this unique church.
- You can even upgrade your ticket to get access to get entry into Doge's Palace.
- Note: On certain days there may be a short break between the visit to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica (never more than one hour). This may extend the overall length of the tour.
Inclusions
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Exclusive access ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (after closing)
- Headset
- Doge's Palace (optional)
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Walking Tour of Venice with Priority Entry to St. Marks Basilica
- Discover the historical abundance of Venice on this immersive walking tour, led by a licensed guide.
- This morning tour is available in English, Spanish, German, and French and allows you to traverse the length and breadth of this opulent city.
- Get priority access with a special lane to the St. Mark's Basilica for a guided tour.
- View masterpieces of the Byzantine art during your tour and gain seamless access to the Treasury.
Inclusions
- Shared guided walking tour with commentary by a qualified guide
- Skip the line: Shared guided tour of the Basilica
- Visit to the Basilica's terrace and St. Mark's Museum
- Audio receiver devices included in groups over 10 people
- The Basilica is a house of worship and therefore, appropriate clothing is recommended (shorts and tank tops will not be allowed). Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Walking Tour of Venice with Guided Tour of Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica
- As you walk through the Serenissima Republic, experience the quaint charm of the city with the expert narration of a professional guide.
- Choose the tour in a language of your choice. Explore every inch of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace and have your guide explain the historical relevance of the alluring structures.
- If choosing an English Tour, upgrade your ticket to include a charming gondola ride.
- Redeem an optional, free coupon to check out the renowned Venetian glass-blowing art in a 20-minute long demonstration at St. Mark’s Square.
Inclusions
- 1-hour shared walking tour
- 1-hour shared guided tour of the Golden Basilica
- 1-hour shared guided tour of Doge's Palace
- Audio-guide devices for groups of 10+ people
- Access to Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, & Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
- Complimentary glass craftsman demonstration (9am slots only)
- Gondola ride (optional)
- This tour will not be operational in case of exceptionally high tide or in case of religious functions (in both these cases the visit can be postponed or a refund will be provided).
- If there is a high turnout or security problems, the waiting time to access St. Mark’s Basilica may be longer than expected. In such cases, please line up and respect the instructions provided by the guide.
- The Basilica is a place of worship, hence, appropriate clothing is recommended (shorts and tank tops will not be allowed). Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Photography and filming are prohibited inside the Basilica.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Located in the heart of St Mark’s Square, the St. Mark's Basilica stands tall as a magnificent example of Byzantine architecture. Revered as a symbol of Venice, the church is breathtaking on the inside as it is on the outside with its awe-inspiring mosaics, and priceless works of art, including the esteemed Pala d'Oro altarpiece.
Why Visit St. Mark's Basilica?
- Magnificent Architecture: The iconic basilica is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, featuring domes, ornate marble flooring, and intricate mosaics.
- Pala d'Oro Altarpiece: Made from gold, enamel, and precious gems, the Pala d'Oro altarpiece is an important religious artifact and remarkable work of art that exemplifies Byzantine craftsmanship.
- Historic Relics: The basilica holds a number of historic relics including the remains of St Mark and four ancient bronze horses that once adorned the Hippodrome in Constantinople.
- Venetian Art: The basilica houses a number of Venetian masterpieces, such as the bronze doors that feature scenes from the Bible and the sculpted marble columns inside the church.
All Your St.Mark's Basilica Ticket Options Explained
Entry Tickets
Duration: 1 hour
- This reserved entrance ticket allows you to access the ground floor of the basilica.
- Use the audio guide available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German for a more insightful visit.
- You will have to pay an additional fee to view the Pala D'Oro & St. Mark's Museum.
Cancellation Policy: Cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Recommended Tours
Skip-the-Line Tickets
Duration: 1-4 hours
- Skip the long lines and enter the ground floor of the basilica directly. You can also access the St. Mark's Museum.
- Opt for a guided tour option if you wish to gain an in-depth understanding of the art, history, and culture of the church.
Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 72- 24 hours before your experience begins for a full refund.
Recommended Tours
St. Marks Basilica Skip The Line Guided Tour
Skip The Line: St. Marks Basilica with Walking Tour of Venice
Guided Tours
Duration: 1-4 hours
- Opt for a tour in the language of your choice: English, French, Spanish, or German.
- Most guided tour options have a skip-the-line feature, which will allow you to save time at the venue.
- Opt for a combo tour to explore more of what Venice has to offer.
Cancellation Policy: Most tickets can be canceled up to 72- 24 hours before your experience begins for a full refund, while some cannot be canceled or rescheduled. Check your ticket for more information.
Recommended Tours
St. Marks Basilica Skip The Line Guided Tour
Venice In A Day: Guided Tour with Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica
Combo Tickets
Duration: 2-4 hours
- Explore more of Venice on a budget with combo tickets. Visit major landmarks such as the Doge's Palace, and Venice Opera House along with the basilica.
- Depending on the ticket you choose, you can enjoy skip-the-line access to the various attractions.
- Tours are available in English, French, Spanish, or German.
Recommended Tours
Guided Tour Of St. Mark's Basilica with Gondola Ride
Venice Museums Pass with Fenice Theatre Tour
Absolute Venice - Walking Tour, Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica
St. Mark's Basilica Highlights
Pala d'Oro
The Pala d’Oro is an exquisite structure made of Byzantine enamel. It is globally recognized to be one of the most sophisticated and accomplished works with both of its sides decked with thousands of jewels and pearls.
The Treasury
The treasury at St. Mark's Basilica houses of the most special collections of Byzantine portable objects. You will find reliquaries, liturgical vessels, and vestments used during religious ceremonies, many of them Constantinople.
St. Mark's Museum
The museum showcases several objects and artifacts that are historically related to the heritage of St. Mark's Basilica. The collection includes an incredible curation of liturgies, Persian carpets, broken fragments of mosaic, golden tesserae, 78 bones of different Saints, and many other relics.
Tomb of St. Mark
The putative corpse of St Mark is held at St. Mark's Basilica. The corpse was stolen and smuggled all the way from Egypt, by Venetian merchants. The main intention of constructing the basilica was to serve as a tomb for St Mark.
Transept Chapels
There are several transept chapels in St. Mark's Basilica that are adorned with exquisite Byzantine mosaics, paintings, and marble sculptures. Some of the noteworthy ones are Cappella della Madonna dei Máscoli, Cappella della Madonna Nicopeia and Cappella di San Clemente.
The Domes
St. Mark's Basilica has 5 cupolas — the Narthex, the Western dome, the Central dome, the Northern dome, and the Southern dome —all decked with golden mosaics that depict scenes from the Bible. The best place to view these domes is from the galleries near the museum.
Interior
Two key features of the interiors of the basilica are the marble floors and the golden mosaics. The marble floor, spread over 2099 sq m, is made up of thousands of earth-toned individual pieces laid down to depict various scenes and patterns. The mosaic, made from ground gold, depicts biblical scenes and historical events and lights up the entire Basilica in a warm glow when sunlight creeps in.
Bell Tower
St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica. Standing 99 meters high on Piazza San Marco., it is easily one of the most popular symbols in the city. The tower has a very simple structure with a square shaft made from flute brick and topped with a pyramidal spire at the top. You can purchase a ticket and go all the way up on a lift to witness aerial panoramas of Venice and the lagoons
Plan Your Visit to St. Mark's Basilica
Monday to Saturday: 9.30 AM to 5:15 PM.
Sunday: 2 PM to 5.15 PM, with the exception of Museum – Loggia dei Cavalli, which can be visited between 9:30 AM to 2 PM.
Last entry is at 4:45 PM.
Bell Tower
Daily: 9.30 AM to 9:15 PM.
Last entry is at 8:45 PM.
Mass Times
Daily: 8 AM to 7:30 PM
Best Time to Visit
Address: Basilica di San Marco, San Marco, 328, 30124 Venice
By Water Bus: Take lines 1, 51, or 2 from Piazzale Rome, or from Santa Lucia.
On Foot: It is a 40-minute walk from Piazzale Rome and a 45-minute walk from Santa Lucia.
Directions to St. Mark's Basilica
There are three entrances to St. Mark’s Basilica:
- The Door of Saint Clement
- The Door of Flowers
- The Door of Saint Peter.
Apart from these, there are separate entrances to the Bell Tower, on the facade’s right-hand side and to the museum, on the second floor of the basilica.
Which St. Mark's Basilica Entrance to Use?
- Luggage Store
- Restroom
- The Porta dei Fiori entrance is equipped with a ramp.
- The museum is served by a lift and escalator.
- Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti: This cozy osteria offers traditional Venetian cuisine and a wide selection of wines.
- Trattoria da Remigio: A rustic and casual trattoria with outdoor seating, serving hearty and flavorful seafood dishes.
- Al Nono Risorto: A family-run restaurant known for its delicious pizza and pasta dishes.
- Bacaro Quebrado: A small and charming bar offering traditional cicchetti (small plates) and local wine.
- Al Timon: Located in a quiet canal, this hidden gem serves fresh and delicious seafood dishes.
- Admission to the Basilica is free, but visitors should expect to pay entrance fees during holidays or to special parts of the basilica complex such as the Pala d’Oro altar, the Treasury, St. Mark’s Museum and the Campanile.
- It is always better to visit the St. Mark’s Basilica as early as possible in the morning. The crowd in the square and the long lines tend to swell beyond a tolerable point later in the day.
- Unless you wish to wait in long lines for a locker to keep your luggage, it is not advisable to carry heavy bags or backpacks.
- You will not be allowed inside the Basilica if your shoulders or legs are exposed. Ensure that they are covered by your clothes, or bring a shawl along to cover them before you enter.
- Most of the restaurants on the square or on its periphery are exorbitantly expensive. Walk into the back lanes for decently priced meal.
- St. Mark’s Square is infamous for scamsters. Watch out for suspicious offers and keep your belonging near and dear.
- Take the elevator to the top of the Campanile (Bell Tower) and savour the incredible view. The extra €8 is worth it.
- Since a considerable amount of walking is involved, wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothes is recommended.
St. Mark's Square is always bustling with life. With every step, you’ll find something intriguing and interesting to see here. While you’re in the vicinity, check out the following attractions after exploring St. Mark’s Basilica.
- Doge’s Palace: Erstwhile place of residence of the Doges’ of Venice, the highest authority in the Republic of Venice for over a thousand years, the Doge’s Palace has been a public museum since 1923.
- Piazzetta of St. Mark's: A small open space adjacent to the main St. Mark’s Square, it connects the Southern side of St. Mark’s Square to the lagoon, making it a great place for an evening walk.
- Clock Tower: Nestled on the north side of the Piazza San Marco, the Clock Tower of Venice was built in the final decade of the 15th Century and is best known for its iconic archway that leads straight into Merceria Street.
- Museo Correr: One of the 11 civic museums in Venice, the Museo Correr houses valuable works of art from various eras, such as rare manuscripts from the 17th century, portraits of Venetian aristocrats, and topographical maps of 15th-century explorers.
- Libreria Sansoviniana: Modeled by Jacopo Sansovino in the mid-16th Century, the Libreria Sansoviniana is one of the few libraries that was primarily dedicated to housing ancient Greek and Latin codices.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Mark's Basiica Tickets
A. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, or online. It is recommended that you purchase the tickets online so as to avoid the long lines.
A. Yes, you need tickets to visit several parts of St. Mark's Basilica, including the Pala d'Oro and the Treasury. However, access to the Basilica itself is free.
A. Yes, tickets can be purchased online. You can find top-rated St. Mark's Basilica tickets here.
A. The cost of tickets varies depending on the type of ticket and tour. Entry tickets with audio guides start from €20.50, while guided tours can cost upwards of €39.
A. Discounted tickets may be available for certain groups, such as students and senior citizens. Check with the ticket at the time of checkout for details.
A. Yes. If you want to skip the excruciatingly long lines for the Basilica entry, you can purchase priority access tickets to the Basilica. However, these tickets will not include a guided tour or access to the Pala d’Oro altar, Museum, Treasury, Campanile, and Crypt.
A. St. Mark's Basilica is a famous church located in Venice, that is known for its intricate mosaics, stunning architecture, and historical significance.
A. Highlights of St. Mark's Basilica include the Pala d'Oro, the Treasury, the crypt, the transept chapels, and the magnificent domes.
A. The best route to follow would start at the atrium. Start from atop and climb up the stairs to the Loggia – Museo di San Marco (San Marco Museum). After exploring the museum, make your way down and amble through the Treasury, to view the Pala d’Oro and sarcophagus of St. Mark. After this, follow the north aisle and exit the church. Once you’re outside, spend some time looking at the extraordinary exterior facades of St. Mark’s Basilica.
A. The opening hours of St. Mark's Basilica are from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM, daily, except on Sundays, when only the St.Mark's Museum is open from 9:30; the Basilica only opens at 2 PM.
A. You will need at least one hour to the basilica. Visitors can spend longer if they wish to fully appreciate the details and history.
A. St. Mark's Basilica is located in the Piazza San Marco in the heart of Venice, Italy.
A. St. Mark's Basilica can be reached by waterbus, or on foot.
A. Facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and audio guides in multiple languages.
A. Unfortunately, no. Photography and filming is strictly prohibited inside the Basilica .
A. Yes, the basilica is accessible to visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair users.
A. Yes, St. Mark's Basilica is a must-visit attraction thanks to its historical significance, stunning architecture, and impressive artwork.
