Basilica di San Marco
Basilica di San Marco
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsChurches & Cathedrals
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Blending the architectural styles of East and West, Venice's magnificent basilica was consecrated in 832 AD as an ecclesiastical building to house the remains of St. Mark.
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Neighbourhood: San Marco
The most famous sestiere (district) in Venice has one of the world's most famous squares, St. Mark's (Piazza San Marco). Anchored on one end by the basilica, clustered around it are restaurants, museums, shops, orchestras playing in the square, pigeons, the grand pink Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), the soaring campanile bell tower, an astrological clock tower, plus gorgeous cafes and restaurants like Florian and Quadri. Piazza San Marco is beloved by Venetians themselves. They book a table anytime, which offers a buffer from the fray. This grand outdoor drawing room attracts Venetians for a stroll too, especially late in the afternoon when the hoards of daytrippers thin out. It's simply a grand place to meet.
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- L’oursParentignat, France157 contributionsGorgeousUnavoidable. An architectural marvel, we no longer know where to look. Please note, allow 15 euros for the entire visit. Too bad the square is disfigured by the presence of stands selling objects made in China!!!Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 February 2024
- PurwitantoSengata, Indonesia3,076 contributionsThe main church in VeniceSan Marco Basilica is the main church in Venice. In this church, the rulers of Venice in ancient times showed off their wealth. Located on piazza San Marco which is the main square in Venice and close to the Doge's palace. The front facade is unique, somewhat different from other churches. And the inside is full of beautiful mosaics. To enter this church we have to pay an entrance ticket and the queue is snaking, incredibly long. But it's not in vain that we queue, it all pays off with the beauty of this church. Extraordinary.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 February 2024
- Super P2 contributionsAbout queues in March + life hackIn March 2024 on Monday at about 16:45 there were about 100 people in line to buy a ticket and enter the cathedral. It moved quickly, it took about 7 minutes. Payment by card and cash. When approaching the entrance, you see that at the entrance there is a machine for buying tickets with payment only by card. No queue :) So it’s better to pay attention to this right away and don’t stand in line at all :)Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 March 2024
- Mumu022Liege, Belgium399 contributionsA must see!St. Mark's Basilica is the most important religious building in Venice. The basilica is located on St Mark’s Square. She is splendid! I recommend visiting in the morning because there are a lot of people. For the price, by Tiqets, it costs €29 for skip-the-line entry, access to the terrace and the audio guide..Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 March 2024
- giocal cVerona, Italy106 contributionsVenice with your wife, to try......a lively and intimate day.The visit was really very beautiful, with my wife, we have never been to this truly spectacular Basilica. We approach the ticket office and with very kind staff they help us to pay and invite us to enter, already at the entrance it is spectacular you get lost with the be careful to see everyone and then go back for the fantastic details and along the way you get closer to the Pala D'oro with another paid entrance which is absolutely not worth the price, continue to see a truly beautiful museum in the basilica itself, then you arrive at the terrace to look out onto Piazza San Marco and see the 4 very beautiful bronze horses a few centimeters away with the majestic bell tower that dominates all of Venice. then we also went to the basilica of Santa Lucia, beautiful and ancient, but the nativity scene in movement is absolutely worth seeing, fantastic, a beautiful day togetherVisited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 March 2024
- Brigitte B248 contributionsBeautiful but tourists mistaken for ATMsThe place is certainly unmissable but when you book in advance (3 months) for entry at the time when the vaults are lit and the day before the visit you are warned without explanation that your visit time will not be at the desired time... it's not caring about tourists. To discover that you have to pay extra to access additional areas inside the basilica is to take tourists for pigeons... and unfortunately some pay again and again... for a deplorable welcome to boot. It’s a shame that we can’t come to Venice and missed this must-see!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 March 2024
- Io sono l’uraganoRome, Italy440 contributionsBreathtakingUnique in the world! There are many basilicas in the world but none like the Basilica of San Marco. Unique for its style, unique for its position, unique for the emotions it transmits. Each of my visits to this cathedral leaves me with a unique emotion. A visit to this basilica is worth the entire trip to Venice. I advise you to buy all tickets and visit it all, including the upper part.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 March 2024
- claudonpPagny-sur-Meuse, France583 contributionsVisiting the interior is a must!Now entry is three euros...but there are so many mosaics to admire (don't forget to look up in the atrium). The pala d’oro will interest specialists and allows you to contemplate the apse. For the terrace and the museum you have to continue the visit (or pay the entrance again…). The museum is worth seeing, tourists flock to the terrace instead of lingering there, for mosaics, tapestries, a view of the basilica from above...and toilets!!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 April 2024
- Sarah PowerSheffield, United Kingdom134 contributionsBeautifulThe Basilica is very beautiful, the paintings are absolutely stunning, inside and out. We were there about 10.30 on a Friday morning in April and only queued about 5 minutes to get inside. The entrance is only 3 euros which is fine but I thought it was a bit steep to then charge another 5 euros to visit the alter so we didn't bother with that. There were a huge number of tour groups which is a bit annoying as they get under your feet, but overall it was an enjoyable visit.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 April 2024
- MillDawn89Flower Mound, Texas91 contributionsBuy Your Ticket Online!This beautiful basilica is worth the time and trouble to visit. Do yourself a favor and buy your tickets to the cathedral and all parts of it online several weeks before your visit. You will still wait in line but it moves faster than the one for those without tickets. We went at 11:30 am and it was very crowded. We heard that the mid to late afternoon was not so crowded. We did not pay for the audio tour but downloaded a free one on our phone (Rick Steve’s Europe) and it worked nicely. It is beautiful. The museum is worth the additional cost just for the view of the square from the second floor balcony.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2024
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4.5
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Paul R
West Wickham, UK54 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
A must visit attraction. We didn’t do a tour and had to queue for about 15 minutes to get in. An extra charge of a few Euros was required to get access to the basilica itself but at €5 each (if memory serves) this wasn’t a big deal. I can’t say if doing a tour or pre-booking is worth it but we took our time and watched guided tours being ushered around in quick time. Inside is wonderful and I’d recommend getting an audio guide as it brings the whole experience to life. You can’t visit Venice and not go.
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle D
Jersey, UK122 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Stunning building and a must see. Ladies must have covered shoulders and will be prevented from entering. The market stalls in the square are well prepared selling a selection of scarves from €5-€20! We were unable to buy the priority tickets but didn’t need them as we only queued for 5 or 10 minutes to get in. Entry was €3 each (children under 6 are free). This was fine but then it’s another €5 each to see the pala d’oro. So we queued and paid again. The pala d’oro was beautiful and glad that we saw it. But then - yes, you guessed it we were asked to pay again €7 if you wanted to see the museum. I’d rather have known up front the total cost. We chose not to visit the museum.
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Klara
Slovenia87 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
We were in Venice quite early so we were already at Piazza di San Marco before 9. We saw people getting in line so we joined which was the best decision because the basilica opened half an hour later and we didn’t have to wait for hours to get in. The entry fee was 3€ per person, if you want to also see the other attractions add a 12€ and you have the full experience. Come early because the more time you wait the more people will be in line and it gets crowded very quickly. Also be aware that you can’t enter with big bags and suitcases.
Written 14 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TripBizio
Rome, Italy250 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Negative rating because by purchasing tickets online to avoid queuing for hours outside the basilica, you pay exactly double (6 euros) compared to the classic entrance fee (3 euros). Not for the amount obviously, but for the speculation, never seen a presale at double the cost of the ticket.
Audio guide for 5 euros and to see the Pala D'oro, another 10 euros to be paid internally.
Another 5 euros to see the horses and the museum. At this point it was better to have a single ticket without a scandalous pre-sale, to be able to visit everything instead of paying for everything. Embarrassing.
Audio guide for 5 euros and to see the Pala D'oro, another 10 euros to be paid internally.
Another 5 euros to see the horses and the museum. At this point it was better to have a single ticket without a scandalous pre-sale, to be able to visit everything instead of paying for everything. Embarrassing.

Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YuriToscana
St. Petersburg, Russia1,019 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We were in this basilica in March. I highly recommend going all around it, paying 3 euros to enter, then 5 euros for the golden museum and then another 7 euros for the balcony entrance. I realize it looks like a scam for money. But the cathedral is really beautiful and you won't regret it. It is good to read about this basilica first of course - that way you won't miss important artifacts for the history of the cathedral. We were very satisfied. Recommended!
Written 21 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vittorio Iacovino
Milan, Italy85 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
After a line of 20 minutes I managed to get in for 2 € yes you can access the Basilica, the interior perfectly represents all the wealth of the Republic that Venice once had.
In addition to briefly seeing the interior everything else has an additional price, to be paid inside the Basilica, such as the Golden Altarpiece, the Loggia and the Museum
The €2 ticket allows you to see very little.
The church is over-commercialized, you can't even sit in it and now it has lost all its religious functions.
I was unsatisfied with what can be achieved by paying the ordinary, calculating that it is already one of the very few churches you have to pay to enter.
In addition to briefly seeing the interior everything else has an additional price, to be paid inside the Basilica, such as the Golden Altarpiece, the Loggia and the Museum
The €2 ticket allows you to see very little.
The church is over-commercialized, you can't even sit in it and now it has lost all its religious functions.
I was unsatisfied with what can be achieved by paying the ordinary, calculating that it is already one of the very few churches you have to pay to enter.
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Written 25 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sokolalene
Bergamo, Italy3,289 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I was in Venice for 4 days and left the visit to the Cathedral for the last one. She did it very well, because against its background everything else would have looked paler. I lived literally around the corner, so I came early in the morning, but in November on weekdays there were no queues at any time. Piazza San Marco was a little flooded and it was very atmospheric to enter the Cathedral along the pavements, and then admire the flooded tables in the cafe and the reflection of the clouds in the water from the terrace. I bought a ticket online for Cathedral + Pala D'Oro + Terrace - 20 euros. You can safely skip the Pala D'Oro option - for 5 euros you will only see a gold panel with precious stones - beautiful, but not for everyone. The cathedral itself, inside, is all golden with stunning mosaics, it doesn’t look European at all - it’s Byzantine luxury. But you should definitely go to the terrace - both the views of San Marco and the museum are worth it. I spent more than an hour on the terrace, I didn’t want to leave, and then I walked around the Cathedral again - just amazing! But I wouldn’t recommend going to the Doge’s Palace, especially after the Council - and besides, there is a large-scale restoration going on there.

Written 11 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeakerTX
San Antonio, TX577 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
A must-see when in Venice….along with everyone else. I highly recommend buying timed entrance tickets in advance. The line to buy tickets was very long (and outside in the unshaded hot sun), but we did not have to wait long for our timed entry with pre purchased ticket. Pay attention to the attire requirements! Need covered shoulders and legs must be covered to at least the knees. This was being enforced. There are stands nearby selling cheap shawls. Once inside, the crowd was not too bad and thinned out the further along we went along. Our pre-purchased tickets included expedited entry to the upper museum and outside the balcony. It wasn’t clearly marked, but we were able to bypass a long slow line waiting to ascend the stairs. Visiting the balcony is highly recommended. Nice view of the square, not crowded, and no time limit on the visit, giving you time to soak in the view.
Written 29 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma
United Kingdom11 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The Basilica is absolutely stunning; every mosaic is gorgeous and fascinating and by paying for the museum tour you can get up close to them as well as the balcony overlooking St Mark's Square.
However, it was really too busy inside for a comfortable visit. Despite having pre-booked, we still had to queue for half an hour to get into the museum section and upon reaching the front a tour group tried to push in front of us, with the tour leader loudly complaining about how rude everyone was for not letting them in. Sadly this marred what was otherwise a wonderful visit.
However, it was really too busy inside for a comfortable visit. Despite having pre-booked, we still had to queue for half an hour to get into the museum section and upon reaching the front a tour group tried to push in front of us, with the tour leader loudly complaining about how rude everyone was for not letting them in. Sadly this marred what was otherwise a wonderful visit.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emilysmom2003
Gambrills, MD4,898 contributions
Dec 2024 • Solo
On a cold December morning, around 11:00, there was no line to enter this amazing basilica. The mosaics still gleam after almost 1,000 years. You can take photos without a flash.
It’s well with spending the additional 7 Euros to climb to the museum above. The steps might seem daunting but there are handrails in both sides. Inside the museum you can see the mosaics up close to admire their craftsmanship. You can also see the original statues of the four horses, approximately 2,000 years old and lifelike. Then you can step out on the ledge and see the square from above.
It also adds to the experience if you read the history of the basilica ahead of time.
It’s well with spending the additional 7 Euros to climb to the museum above. The steps might seem daunting but there are handrails in both sides. Inside the museum you can see the mosaics up close to admire their craftsmanship. You can also see the original statues of the four horses, approximately 2,000 years old and lifelike. Then you can step out on the ledge and see the square from above.
It also adds to the experience if you read the history of the basilica ahead of time.
Written 13 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buenas, por internet no me dan opción de entrada con acá eso a la terraza, puedo comprar el acceso a la terraza en el interior sin colas? Gracias
Written 20 October 2024
Buenas! You can buy tickets for museum and\or to the terrace in the Basilica.
Written 22 October 2024
Does anyone know where I can buy a online ticket for the Saint Mark's Basilica?
Written 18 July 2024
If I buy a skip the line ticket just for the basilica (online), is it then possible to buy tickets for museum and the terrace ince i'm inside ??
Written 10 July 2024
Sure you can buy it after entering the “main” Basilica. They setup a ticketing just before museum and balcony.
Written 12 July 2024
If you see the Museum on a Sunday before 2:00 p.m., would you have to go back outside to then enter the Basilica after 2:00 p.m., or is there an entrance to the Basilica inside from the Museum?
Written 14 April 2024
The entrances of the museum and the Basilica are separated, and not that close to one another!
Written 16 April 2024
We also want to attend the sung mass at 10:00 on Sunday. Was there a cue to enter? Do we have to arrive early? How long did the mass last, if you remember?
Written 26 January 2024
No queue…at least an hour. Peace.
Written 29 January 2024
Is there a cue to attend Sunday sung mass at 10:00?
Written 26 January 2024
Hi
I am wondering if they changed the policy and now it is allowed to take photos inside the Basilica as on the Basilica webpage it states: "Professional and non-private use photographing and filming is forbidden". So what about non-professional for private use?
Written 21 November 2023
We took pictures. Everyone did.....without any flash.
Written 21 November 2023
Bonjour,
Peut on réserver une visite de la basilique avec coupe file mais sans guide
Written 20 May 2023
C'est ce que j'ai fais
J'ai réservé la visite libre à l'office de tourisme, j'ai pris l'entrée des personnes ayant leur billet = pas d'attente
Pas besoin de guide, il suffit de suivre les flèches pour voir tout
Written 21 May 2023
We are planning to attend the Saturday 6:45pm mass. Do we need to get there very early?
From my understanding, tickets are not needed to enter on the north side for prayers or mass. Is this correct?
Written 14 March 2022
I am afraid I have no idea as I did not attend a service in October and COVID protocols were stricter at that time.
Written 15 March 2022
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