San Marco Basilica and the Campanile, the symbols of Venice

The blend of styles that make up Saint Mark's Basilica invites us to reflect on the influences that have accompanied Venice since the 9th century: under the tutelage of the Byzantine Empire, this fabulous religious edifice reflects the splendours of Constantinople, from its Greek cross plan and domes to the mosaics adorning the interior.

In the 9th century, the relics of Saint Mark, the new patron saint of the Serenissima, were brought back to Venice: the first sanctuary was built in 828 to house them. The current basilica was consecrated later, in 1094: despite some Gothic touches, it is the East that generally dominates the architectural style of the building... and continues to inspire the dreams of travellers who admire it.

Inside, the show goes on: the Basilica of San Marco is richly decorated with mosaics, an art form once again directly inspired by the Byzantines. You won't see more beautiful mosaics anywhere in Europe! Take your time to admire the finesse of the work, the skill and patience that leave visitors speechless.

Entrance to the Basilica is subject to a fee, and visitors must be patient when paying for access. Once inside, access to the Museo di San Marco (highly recommended with the Loggia dei Cavalli, which offers a bird's eye view of St Mark's Square and the interior of the Basilica, but is only open on Sundays), as well as access to the Pala d'Oro (the "golden altarpiece").

Venice, built at the bottom of a lagoon, is not a specialist in heights, so there are very few vantage points, which is why a visit to the Campanile, the former bell tower of San Marco Basilica, makes so much sense!

The building stands vertiginously on Piazza San Marco, opposite the Basilica, and is over 98 metres high! As the highest viewpoint in Venice, it was long used as a watchtower... An architectural feat given the subsoil on which its foundations rest, the Campanile nevertheless collapsed in 1902, sparing the Basilica of San Marco.

The current Campanile, rebuilt in 1912, is therefore a faithful copy, rebuilt identically using as many of the original materials as possible. It even houses a lift that allows you to make the ascent in 30 seconds... at the top, ignore the tourist shop and concentrate on the panorama: all of Venice before your eyes, as well as its lagoon on a clear day... unique!

🚌 How do I get to San Marco Basilica?

The easiest way is to walk to Piazza San Marco. By public transport, vaporetto stops San Zaccaria, San Marco, Giardinetti, or Vallaresso, lines 1, 2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2.

⏰ San Marco Basilica opening times:

• Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 17:15 (last entrance 16:45).
• Sundays from 14:00 to 17:15 (last entrance 16:45).
• San Marco Museum: 9.30am - 2pm, Sundays only.

👛How do I visit San Marco Basilica?

Admission to the Basilica is free for prayers, masses and services. You'll need to be patient to wait in the queue, or go to the front when the Basilica opens, otherwise the entrance ticket (at the Calle San Biaso ticket office) costs €3 (free for children under 6).

Entrance to the San Marco Museum and the Pala d'Oro are additional:

• San Marco Museum: €5
• Pala d'Oro: €7

👉 You can book your tickets for the Basilica of San Marco and its outbuildings directly online (recommended) :

• San Marco Basilica: €6 (+ Pala d'Oro €12)
• San Marco Museum only: €10

Proper attire is required to enter the Basilica: no tank tops, uncovered knees or rucksacks (first go to the free left-luggage office on Calle San Basso).

⏰ Campanile opening times:

Every day from 9.30am to 9.15pm (last entry at 8.45pm).

Closed in bad weather.

👉 How can I visit the Campanile?

There is an entrance fee of €10.

The most convenient way is to take your tickets online on the San Marco Basilica booking website: in this case admission is set at €12. Allow 20 minutes for the visit.