- St. Marks Basilica
- St. Mark’s Campanile
- St. Mark’s Museum
- History
- Architecture
- Pala d'Oro
- St. Mark's Basilica Highlights
Visiting St. Mark’s Museum in Venice | St. Mark's Basilica
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.
Why Visit the St. Mark’s Museum?
- Treasures of Doge's Chapel: Marvel at precious artifacts, including Persian carpets and furnishings from Doge's Chapel.
- Horses of San Marco: One of the museum's most striking attractions is the magnificent horses of San Marco. These sculptures, depicting spirited horses in mid-leap, adorn the outer structure of the basilica. The sculptures visible today are replicas, protecting the originals which now rest inside the basilica.
- Collections of Precious Artefacts: The St. Mark's Museum has a vast collection of artefacts and paintings, offering insight into Christianity, architectural remnants, and the cultural heritage of Italy and other European nations. Notable highlights include illuminated manuscripts, exquisite tapestries, and a 14th-century altarpiece by Paolo Veneziano.
- Close to most tourist attractions: Located in the bustling Mark Square, St. Mark's Museum provides easy access to other popular tourist attractions in Venice. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit nearby sites such as The Doge's Palace, the National Archaeological Museum of Venice, and the picturesque Piazzetta.
Plan Your Visit to St. Mark’s Museum
What are the St. Mark's Museum Opening Hours?
As the museum is nestled inside St. Mark's Basilica, the opening hours for both remain the same. Generally, it is open between 9:30AM to 5:15PM from Monday to Saturday. However, for Sundays, the timings are from 2PM to 5:15PM.
Detailed Opening Hours of St. Mark's BasilicaBest Time to Visit:
To avoid the rush of visitors, you can choose some non-peak hours. This includes the opening hours of the museum along with the afternoon period. The rush during these times is minimal, and you can enjoy the Museum and Basilica seamlessly.
Where is the St. Mark's Museum Located?
Address: Basilica di San Marco, San Marco, 328, 30124 Venice
Located centrally in the Mark Square area, the St. Mark's Museum is connected to almost all of Venice.
Getting to St. Mark's BasilicaHighlights of St. Mark's Museum
Quadriga of St. Mark's
The Triumphal Quadriga, known as the Four Horses of St. Mark, stands as an imposing sight against the towering backdrop of the Basilica. While believed to have been inspired by 4th-century Greek art, the sculptures' origins have sparked various claims. Some attribute them to Rome, while others link them to Constantinople. Though primarily made of copper, they are commonly referred to as bronze statues. To safeguard the original masterpiece from pollution, the Quadriga has been moved inside the Basilica, with a replica now gracing the outer façade. But worry not, it looks just as stunning!
Sala dei Banchetti
As you climb the stairs towards the St. Mark's Museum, you’ll find the Sala dei Banchetti, also known as the Banquet Hall. This magnificent room is home to the mesmerizing red velvet throne of Doge's Chapel, a sight to behold with numerous fabrics and tapestries, adding to the room's allure. If you find yourself in need of a break, this spot conveniently provides restroom facilities, a vending machine, and even a chance to grab a refreshing water bottle with just a short walk ahead.
Tapestries
The St. Mark Basilica is lined with numerous hues of silk along with silver tapestries. These are dedicated to the life of the Christian missionary and the author of one of the four gospels St. Mark. Inside the museum, a dedicated section features woolen tapestries depicting episodes from the Passion of Christ, specifically the period leading up to His death. These valuable tapestries hold great significance, particularly for history enthusiasts, offering a captivating glimpse into this pivotal chapter of Christian history.
Historical Artifacts
The Museum of San Marco, also known as St. Mark's Museum, boasts an extensive collection of artifacts that portray significant episodes from Christianity's history. It showcases architectural remnants from Italy, Greece, and Constantinople. In addition to the masterpiece of the Quadriga of St. Mark, the museum also houses stunning mosaic sculptures, adorned with intricate paintings and floral designs on grand panels. Don’t miss gawking at the remarkable 14th-century wood-based painting by Venetian artist Paolo Veneziano, which beautifully depicts the life story of St. Mark.
Bronze Horses
Despite being commonly referred to as the Quadriga of St. Mark or the Bronze Horses, the sculpture material actually consists primarily of copper (approximately 96%). While the Bronze Horses may not be visible on the top outer façade, their life-size detailing captivates visitors upon entering the Basilica. Due to the damaging effects of pollution, the original sculpture was replaced by a replica in the 1980s, with the authentic horses now safeguarded inside the San Marco Museum in Venice.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Mark's Museum
St. Mark's Museum is located at the Basilica di San Marco, San Marco, 328 of Venice in Italy.
You can avoid the long queues at the St. Mark's Museum by purchasing a ticket directly through the Headout website. You would also get an audio guide along with the ticket that would definitely help you understand different sections inside the Basilica, including the Museum, in a better way.
Yes, you would need tickets to view the St. Mark's Museum. However, entry to the Basilica is free of cost.
No, you must purchase a ticket separately to witness the St. Mark's Museum collection. Even though entry to St. Mark's Basilica is free, the distinct sections within the Basilica levies charge to the visitors. This includes Museum, Treasury, Pala d'Oro, and the Bell Tower. If you don't purchase a ticket on the go, you might have to wait in long lines at the entrance of all the sections.
St. Mark's Museum is housed inside the gigantic 9th-century marvel, St. Mark's Basilica. The Museum has impeccable collections of finest wood paintings, designs on the panels, tapestries, liturgical vestments, and illuminated sculptures.
St. Mark's Campanile in Venice, Italy was designed by architect Giorgio Spavento in the 16th century.
At the St. Mark's Museum, you can view a wide array of collections of Persian craftsmanship, the red velvet throne of Doge, tapestries on different fabrics like silk and wool, paintings by famous Venetian painters, the original masterpiece of the Quadriga of St. Mark, to name a few.
St. Mark's Museum remains open for visitors from 9:30AM to 5:15 PM from Monday to Saturday. However, on Sunday, the timings are limited from 2PM to 5:15PM.
St. Mark's Museum is located quite adjacent to St. Mark Square inside the San Marco Basilica in Venice, Italy.