Unusual Perspectives of St Mark's Basilica

Venice , Italy

Unusual Perspectives of St Mark's Basilica

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(17 reviews)

45m

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enter St Mark's Basilica and, accompanied by an experienced local guide, raise your eyes to the ceiling and admire the glittering expanse of golden mosaics covering the vaults and domes.

During the visit you will discover masterpieces from the past and their interesting iconographic representations, such as the famous golden domes, the iconostasis, the ciborium and the main altar housing the tomb of St Mark the Evangelist.

Available options

SPANISH

German

English

- English: St. Mark's Cathedral & Museum Guided Tour with English commentary

French

What's included

Skip the Line access to St Mark’s Basilica main floor

Guided tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Meet the tour guide under the Clock tower, then visit St Mark's Basilica

Stop 2

You will admire St Mark’s Basilica from several dazzling perspectives accompanied by an expert local guide: you will visit the upper floor which houses the precious St Mark’s treasures and have special access to the terrace with a breathtaking view of St. Mark's Square.

Stop 3 Pass by

Admire the main façade of the Doge's Palace (the tour does not include the visit to the Doge's Palace)

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Entry ticket to the Treasure

Entry ticket to the Pala d’Oro

Entry ticket and access to the Museum and the Terrace

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

13 reviews

5★

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1★

Tripadvisor 3.3

4 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Access to the Basilica is only permitted to visitors with suitable attire (no shorts or vest or tops) and backpacks are not allowed for safety reasons.

At the end of the tour you can continue the visit inside St. Mark’s Basilica on your own. Please note that the church closes at 5pm.

The Procuratoria di San Marco reserves the right to prohibit visits and access to the basilica at any time and without notice for reasons of force majeure (e.g. high water) and/or safety reasons.

In cases of extra liturgical ceremonies, exceptional high tides or other special occasions, access to St Mark's Basilica may not be permitted and therefore the tour will not take place

This is a collective tour, which means there might be other participants going on the tour with you.

Please note that, due to the particular morphological structure of Venice and the logistic problems resulting from it, we cannot guarantee that the whole tour is accessible to people with limited mobility. This means that people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users could not be able to access some parts of the itinerary.

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay up to 10 € access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Meeting point

The meeting point is ten to fifteen minutes before the start of the tour at the TURIVE meeting point, located on Calle larga de l' Ascension, near the post office, behind Correr museum

Important notes

• The Procuratoria di San Marco reserves the right to prohibit visits and access to the basilica at any time and without notice for reasons of force majeure (e.g. high water) and/or safety reasons, religious services not specified on the calendar and/or state visits. Wherever possible, you will be immediately notified via email of such changes together with alternative ways to use the service.
• Access to the Basilica is only permitted to visitors with suitable attire. Visitor's clothing must be in keeping with the sacredness of the basilica: shorts, sleeveless dresses, low-cut and skimpy clothes are not allowed. It is forbidden to bring suitcases, backpacks or bulky bags into the basilica. Prior to your visit it is necessary to deposit any luggage at the Ateneo San Basso, in Calle San Basso.
• This is a collective tour, which means there might be other participants going on the tour with you.
• No credit or refunds will be given in the case of a no show (if you don't show up at the meeting point at the time indicated on your voucher)
• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the tour departure time.

For emergencies on site, please contact us at +39 041 8877441 or info@insidecom.it or chat with us on Venetoinside Facebook Messenger from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm CET.

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly