St. Mark's Basilica

St. Mark's Basilica stands at the eastern end of Piazza San Marco, the ceremonial heart of Venice, and has served as the city's cathedral since 1807. Built to house the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist, whose remains were brought to Venice from Alexandria in 828 AD, the basilica was reconstructed in its current form from 1063 onwards under a design influenced by the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. Its Greek-cross plan, five great domes, and facade encrusted with marble columns and gilded mosaics make it one of the finest examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture in the world. The interior glitters with more than 8,000 square metres of gold mosaic covering the vaults and cupolas, while the Pala d'Oro, a jewelled altarpiece assembled over several centuries, remains among the greatest works of Byzantine goldsmithing in existence.

Visitors today can explore the cathedral through guided tours ranging from small-group experiences to hosted entry with audio guides, with several options also including access to the upper terrace and its views across the piazza and lagoon. Combined experiences pairing the basilica with the adjacent Doge's Palace are also available.