St Mark's Basilica Tickets Venice

St Mark's Basilica: the golden church of Venice

According to tradition, Venetian merchants brought the body of St Mark from Alexandria to Venice in 828, and the basilica was built to house it. The present church was consecrated in 1094 and modelled on Byzantine churches in the East, with five domes, marble floors and a facade in which Eastern and Western art blend together.

If you are searching for St Mark's Basilica tickets or how to get to St Mark's Basilica in Venice, it stands at the eastern end of St Mark's Square, a short walk from the San Marco vaporetto stops. Security checks apply to everyone, and fast-track entry means you avoid the longest wait at the door, not the security check itself.

The golden mosaics and the Pala d'Oro

Inside, more than eight thousand square metres of glittering mosaics cover the domes and the walls, telling stories from the Bible and the life of St Mark against a gold background. The floor is a wave of coloured marble patterns, and the light changes the atmosphere hour by hour.

The Pala d'Oro, behind the high altar, is one of the finest works of medieval goldsmithing. Its gold and silver panels are decorated with enamels and around 1,900 precious stones. It is included in the default option and in the Pala d'Oro option, but not in the basilica-only option, so check the option list in the booking panel.

The museum, the terrace and the Horses of St Mark

The default option adds the basilica's museum and the terrace, known as the Loggia dei Cavalli. Upstairs you see tapestries, Persian rugs and the original Horses of St Mark, four gilded bronze horses that were taken from Constantinople in 1204 and now guarded indoors, while copies stand on the terrace.

From the terrace you look down over St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the lagoon, one of the best views in Venice. Is St Mark's Basilica worth visiting? Yes: it is the most striking interior in the city, and the terrace and museum are a strong reason to choose the full option if you have time.

Planning your visit: options, dress code and tips

The best time to visit St Mark's Basilica is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. St Mark's Basilica opening hours change by season, and it can close without notice for religious ceremonies. The full visit lasts about an hour; shorter options can take thirty to forty minutes, and guided tours follow a set schedule with your group.

Shoulders and knees must be covered, and large bags and backpacks are not allowed. For the audio guide, bring a charged smartphone, headphones and enough free space to download the app. Late arrivals are not admitted with a guided group, so be at the meeting point on time. Guided tours enter together with the guide.