St Mark's Basilica is an ancient and iconic cathedral in Venice, Italy. Built between 836 and 1094, it is dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist, the patron saint of the city. With its vibrant mix of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic elements, St Mark’s remains a jaw-dropping architectural wonder. The façades of the church are adorned with rare marbles and precious stones, creating a visual effect that emphasizes the wealth and power of the Venetian Republic. Inside, magnificent gold-ground mosaics tell the stories of the saints, prophets, and biblical scenes. These mosaics have been altered over time to incorporate not only new artistic styles, but also artefacts plundered from Constantinople as part of Venice’s participation in the Fourth Crusade. Fittingly, the four ancient bronze horses from Constantinople stand prominently at the entry - making St Mark’s Basilica a must-see for any traveler visiting Venice.

Entrance costs €6, but I recommend buying the skip line ticket which you can find clicking the link below.

Attention: on Sundays you will not be able to enter before 2.00 pm. If you have a weekend available to visit Venice, I suggest you follow this itinerary on Saturday, reserving Sunday for the islands.