St. Mark's Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is Venice’s most iconic religious monument, famous for its golden mosaics, Byzantine architecture and richly decorated chapels. Visitors can explore the basilica interior, the Pala d’Oro altarpiece, the museum and the terrace overlooking St. Mark’s Square.
This venue is also included in select MegaPass options, making it easy to combine with other top attractions in Venice.

Built in the 11th century, the basilica was created as a shrine for the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, brought from Alexandria. Over the centuries, Venice enriched the basilica with mosaics, sculptures and treasures acquired through trade and conquest. Its blend of Byzantine, Gothic and Islamic influences reflects Venice’s role as a crossroads of cultures.

St. Mark’s offers one of the most stunning interiors in Europe, with over 8,000 square meters of shimmering mosaics. Highlights include the Pala d’Oro, a jewel-encrusted altarpiece, and the panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of St. Mark’s Square and the Venetian lagoon.

Tickets may include entry to the basilica interior, the Pala d’Oro, the Museum of St. Mark’s, and the terrace. Visitors can explore independently with a multilingual audio guide, which explains the basilica’s art, architecture and history. Capacity limits may apply during peak hours.

Prices vary depending on which areas are included—such as the Pala d’Oro or terrace. Additional museum halls or special exhibitions may require separate tickets. Reduced rates may apply for children or groups.

Typical opening times run from morning to late afternoon, with variations depending on religious services. The basilica often closes during Mass and on major holidays. Museum and terrace hours may differ from the main church schedule.

Located in St. Mark’s Square, the basilica is accessible via vaporetto, with stops like San Marco Vallaresso and San Zaccaria nearby. The square is walkable from Rialto Bridge and other central landmarks. Visitors should expect crowds during peak times.

• Golden Byzantine mosaics
• Pala d’Oro (golden altarpiece with precious stones)
• St. Mark’s Museum
• Panoramic terrace overlooking the square
• Horses of St. Mark replicas
• Intricate marble floors and domed ceilings

• Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered)
• Photography rules vary—often restricted inside
• The terrace requires climbing some stairs
• Arrive early for calmer visiting conditions
• Audio guides are recommended for understanding the mosaics

Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1 hour inside. Adding the terrace, museum and Pala d’Oro typically extends the visit to 1.5 hours.

Winter brings fewer crowds and a quieter interior, ideal for appreciating the mosaics. The basilica can be chilly, especially around the marble floors. Fog and winter light make the terrace views atmospheric.