Detailed Analysis of the Incredible St. Mark's Basilica Architecture

As the Doge, he initiated the construction in 1063. He commissioned an architect—likely Greek—to build the church on ancient foundations.

During the 16th century, he hooped the cupolas with buttress systems and contributed to the altars and gate of Paradise.

In the 19th century, they directed significant preservation and restoration efforts, adhering to different conservation philosophies.

Oversaw rigorous inspections after the campanile collapse in 1902, focusing on structural aspects and implementing innovative restoration methods.

Divided into two sections, the lower register of the western façade features five doors, adorned with columns from the Fourth Crusade. It shows sculptures and details inspired by Byzantine and Islamic styles. The reliefs and mosaics tell the tale of Saint Mark's relics coming to Venice. Upstairs, fancy Gothic decorations were added later. There's a winged lion of Saint Mark in the middle and arches showing scenes of Christ's triumph.

Renowned symbols of Venice's victory over Byzantium, the gilded bronze horses, part of the Hippodrome’s quadriga, adorned the main facade in the mid-13th century. These prized equestrian sculptures, the only surviving team from ancient times, were moved inside in 1974. Today, replicas grace the balcony over the central portal.

The southern side of the building is adorned with precious marbles and decorative details. It's got intricate designs in the Gothic style, along with figures that represent ideas like virtues and treasures brought in, such as the well-known "pillars of Acre." Also, there's a special porphyry head, believed to be Francesco Bussone da Carmagnola, adding to the façade's distinct features.

The northern façade features aediculae housing statues of the four eminent Latin Doctors of the Church: Jerome, Augustine, Ambrose, and Gregory the Great. These towering figures pay homage to their significant contributions and spiritual guidance. Above them, the lunettes are crowned with allegorical representations including Prudence, Temperance, Faith, and Charity.

Dedicated to Cardinal Giambattista Zen, this southern entry hall features a bronze arched gate from the late 5th century, brought from Constantinople. Mosaics on the vault depict St. Mark's life, narrating the church's divine right to possess the saint's relics.

The presbytery, reserved for clergy, houses the high altar. Supported by intricately carved columns, the ciborium above it displays scenes from Christ and the Virgin's lives. The altar itself holds the precious relics of Saint Mark, enclosed within a splendid ensemble.

Dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Clement I, these spaces exhibit mosaic vaults narrating Saint Mark's life and the historic translation of his relics to Venice, presenting an ancient depiction of this significant event.

Each altar, adorned with mosaics and sculptures, pays homage to various saints, like the Madonna Nicopeia and the True Cross. The Chapel of Saint Isidore, housing the saint's relics, and the Mascoli Chapel, dating to 1430, add to the architectural splendor.

Featuring mosaics portraying Saint John the Baptist's life and Christ's infancy, the baptistery is crowned by a granite altar believed to have historical significance from Tyre.

Crafted in 1486, this space exhibits stunning inlaid cabinets illustrating scenes from Saint Mark's life and a vault adorned with mosaics designed by Titian, depicting Old-Testament prophets.