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English
- St. Marks Basilica
- St. Mark’s Museum
- St. Mark’s Terraces
- St. Mark’s Campanile
- St. Mark's Square
- History
- Architecture
- Inside
- Highlights
- Pala d'Oro
Contents
St. Mark's Basilica Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Today
Open 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM
Last Admission
4:45 PM
St. Mark's Basilica Timings
St. Mark's Basilica
Opening hours: 9:30am to 5:15pm
Last admission: 4.45pm
Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31) | TIMINGS | Last Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM | 4:45 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM | 4:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM | 4:45 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM | 4:45 PM |
| Friday (Today) | 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM | 4:45 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM | 4:45 PM |
| Sunday | 2:00 PM - 5:15 PM | 4:45 PM |
- On Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, the Basilica is open to visitors from 2pm.
- The museum - Loggia dei Cavalli is open on Sundays from 9:30am to 2pm.
- The Bell Tower is open daily from 9:30am to 9:15pm. It is closed in case of adverse weather conditions.
- The final entry time to the Bell Tower is at 8:45pm.
- You can enter the Basilica for free for prayer, mass, and services. Use the entrance Porta dei Fiori on the north-side from Piazzetta dei Leoncini square. The prayers start at 8am and end at 7:30pm daily.
St. Mark's Basilica Tickets
Best time to visit the St. Mark's Basilica
Weekday vs Weekend
Weekdays: Midweek visits generally offer a slight advantage, particularly during the low season months. Tuesday through Thursday are typically less crowded than weekends, allowing for a peaceful experience at the basilica.
Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays tend to attract more visitors, especially during the peak season. Expect larger crowds, longer queues, and a livelier atmosphere, making it a bit more challenging to navigate through the basilica.
Our recommendation:
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Pleasant
Crowded
Peak season vs Low season
Peak Season: (April - October ) Venice experiences its peak tourist influx from April to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, facilitating outdoor exploration. However, expect bustling crowds, long queues, and higher prices for accommodations and dining due to the high demand.
Low Season: (November - March) Usher in cooler temperatures and occasional rain during this period. Enjoy quieter streets, affordable lodgings, and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to explore St. Mark's Basilica with fewer queues.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Off Season
Peak Season
Mass timings at St. Mark's Basilica
Regular Masses
Basilica opens for prayers at 8am and closes at 7:30pm.
Daily Masses:
- Lauds and Terce Hour: 8am at Chapel of San Teodoro
- Holy Masses: 8:30am & 10am
- Vespers and Office of Readings: 5:45pm at Chapel of San Teodoro
- Rosary: 6:15pm
- Holy Mass (Evening): 6:45pm
Saturday Masses:
- Vespers and Office of Readings: 5:45pm in Choir
- Holy Mass (Saturday Evening): 6:45pm in the Nave
Sunday & Solemnity Masses
- Holy Mass: 8:30am & 10am in the Nave
- Holy Mass (Solemn): 10am (Sung by the Cappella Marciana)
- Organ Mass: 12pm
- Vespers, Eucharistic Blessing, and Procession (to the Nicopeia): 5:30pm
- Holy Mass (Evening): 6:45pm in the Nave
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
- Timings: Weekdays from 10am to 12pm & 6:30pm until the end of Mass; Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning (except during Vespers and the Office of Readings).
Frequently asked questions about St. Mark's Basilica opening hours
Is St. Mark's Basilica open every day?
Yes, the Basilica welcomes visitors every day, offering a chance to explore its stunning architecture and history.
When is St. Mark's Basilica closed?
St. Mark's Basilica typically remains open most days throughout the year. However, it's important to note that while the basilica is generally open daily, there might be closures or restricted access on certain public holidays or during special events. Checking the basilica's schedule or recent news ahead of your visit is recommended to ensure accessibility.
How long does the average visitor spend at St. Mark’s Basilica?
To fully appreciate St. Mark's Basilica, allocate about 30 to 60 minutes for a comprehensive visit. This timeframe allows you to admire the breathtaking mosaics, explore its stunning architecture, and absorb the rich historical and religious significance of this iconic Venetian landmark.
Is there a recommended time to arrive to avoid large crowds at the Basilica?
To avoid large crowds at the Basilica, it's recommended to arrive early in the morning, preferably shortly after it opens. Weekdays tend to be less crowded compared to weekends and holidays. Arriving at the basilica early in the day increases the likelihood of experiencing shorter queues and a more tranquil atmosphere for exploration.
What's the best time to visit St. Mark's Basilica?
The best times to visit St. Mark's Basilica are early mornings or late afternoons, particularly on weekdays, to avoid the crowds. Additionally, visiting during the off-peak seasons, such as late fall or winter months, can offer a more serene experience amidst fewer tourists and shorter waiting times.
Should I visit St. Mark's Basilica on a public holiday?
It's feasible to visit St. Mark's Basilica on a public holiday, but note that the opening hours might differ. The Basilica typically operates from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day, with shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays. Consider checking the specific timings beforehand. Additionally, purchasing privilege tickets online allows you to skip the entrance queues for a small fee, ensuring a smoother entry.
What are the St. Mark's Basilica mass timings?
St. Mark's Basilica offers daily masses from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. throughout the week, providing visitors multiple opportunities to attend morning and evening services. There are specific morning masses at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., along with evening celebrations starting at 5:45 p.m. On Sundays and particular solemnities, there are special masses at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Are there any off-peak hours or days with fewer visitors?
Off-peak hours at St. Mark's Basilica typically occur early in the morning right after opening, especially on weekdays. Similarly, visiting during the late afternoon or early evening hours can also be less crowded, especially on weekdays. As for off-peak days, weekdays generally see fewer visitors compared to weekends and holidays.
Is it a good idea to visit the St. Mark's Basilica on a public holiday?
Visiting St. Mark's Basilica on a public holiday can result in larger crowds and longer wait times, as many tourists and locals tend to visit popular attractions like the basilica during these times. For a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, it's generally better to visit on regular weekdays instead of public holidays. However, if crowds don't bother you much, feel free to go ahead—the Basilica is always as charming
What if I miss the entry time on my ticket?
If you miss the entry time on your ticket, unfortunately, there is little that can be done. You will need to repurchase your tickets either online or at the venue.
How much earlier do I have to arrive for my time slot?
It's recommended to arrive 10-15 minutes before your reserved timeslot. You'll typically be admitted within 30 minutes of your selected timeslot.
