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Your handbook for St. Mark's Basilica entrances - Location & getting there

Where is St. Mark's Basilica?

Address: Piazza San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
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A short distance from Doge's Palace and the Venetian lagoon, St. Mark's Basilica is situated in the heart of Venice, at St. Mark's Square.

How to access St. Mark's Basilica entrances?

By ferry: Take water bus lines 1, 51 or 2 to the closest stop - S. Marco-San Zaccaria "F"

By train: Take one of the many trains, that run till midnight, to the Santa Lucia, only 3-minutes away from the Basilica.

St. Mark's Basilica Entrances

There are three entrances to St. Mark’s Basilica - the Door of Saint Clement, the Door of Flowers, and the Door of Saint Peter. There is also an entrance to the Bell Tower and one to the museum.

St. Mark’s Basilica entrances location & getting there

St. Mark's Basilica Entrances | Door of Saint Clement

Porta di San Clemente (Door of Saint Clement)

Location: This entrance is the main door of the basilica.
How to reach?: Visitors coming by Public Vaporetto can take line 1 and get down at San Marco Vallaresso and walk to the main entrance from there.
Average wait time: 30 mins - 45 mins. Can stretch up to an hour during high traffic.
Facilities: Checkpoints, tourist assistance.
Accessibility: Check for wheelchair access and assistance for visitors with disabilities.

This enormous central door is always used by crowds of impatient tourists. There is a magnificently carved Romanesque portal from the 1200s that features colorful representations of the months of the year as well as a variety of occupations and crafts.

St. Mark's Basilica Entrances | Door of Flowers

Porta di Fiori (Door of Flowers)

Location: Situated on the northern side of the basilica, near Leoni square.
How to reach?: Visitors coming by train can get down to Santa Lucia and take a walk to the entrance from there.
Average wait time: Typically less crowded; 10-15 minutes.
Facilities: Limited facilities due to its specialized use.
Accessibility: Limited.

The Porta Dei Fiori, or Flower Gate, earned its name because it is embellished with a lovely Romanesque bas-relief of the Nativity scene. This entrance is used by the visitors to enter for prayers, masses, and services.

St. Mark's Basilica Entrances | Door of Saint Peter

Porta di San Pietro (Door of Saint Peter)

Location: Located as the second door to the left of the main entrance.
How to reach?: If you are taking a water ferry, you can take line 2, you can get down at the stop San Marco Giardinetti, and walk to the basilica from there.
Average wait time: Shorter queues due to skip-the-line tickets.
Facilities: Designed as a priority entrance for ticket holders with tourist assistance.
Accessibility: Yes.

Specifically designed for visitors possessing priority entrance tickets, this entrance grants expedited access and a less crowded experience within the basilica. Visitors with priority tickets can scan the QR code on the ticket and enter the Basilica directly through this entrance.

Disabled access

St Mark's Basilica is accessible to people with mobility issues. The Basilica's Porta Dei Fiori, which has a platform, and the Museum, which is on the second level, are both accessible to those in wheelchairs or with mobility impairments. Contact information for the on-duty staff will be available at the Porta Dei Fiori, which is on the left side of the Basilica.

Other St. Mark's Basilica entrances

St. Mark's Basilica Entrances | Bell Tower Entrance

Bell Tower Entrance

Location: Positioned on the right-hand side of the basilica's facade.
How to reach: Accessible via Vaporetto Line 1 or N, stopping at San Marco Calle Vallaresso, just 270 meters away.
Entrance timings: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:15 PM, except during adverse weather conditions like fog, storms, or freezing weather.

The entrance grants access to the Bell Tower, providing visitors with panoramic views of Venice. Besides, for the skip-the-line ticket holders, the entrance is on the side of the tower connected to St Mark’s Square. Visitors with online tickets can use the entrance on the right side of the main entrance door to enter the tower.

St. Mark's Basilica Entrances | Museum Entrance

St. Mark's Museum Entrance

Location: Located on the second floor of St. Mark’s Basilica.
How to reach?: Easily accessible via stairs and elevators from inside the Basilica
Entrance timings: Open daily from 9:45 AM to 4:45 PM (end of October to beginning of April) and from 9:35 AM to 5 PM for the rest of the year.

The museum entrance is located on the second floor of St. Mark’s Basilica. It can be reached through a small door located close to the church's main entrance, which can lead you to the staircase to the second floor.

Queues at St. Mark’s Basilica Entrance

When you arrive at St. Mark's Basilica's main entrance, you'll see lines jam-packed with tourists.

  • Skip the line tickets: Visitors with skip the line tickets or priority entrance tickets can use the Door of Saint Peter to enter.
  • Guided tours: For guided tours, visitors can meet their tour guide at the designated meeting point (this will be mentioned on your tickets) and then enter through the Door of Saint Peter. 
  • Regular entry tickets: Visitors with regular entry tickets or those who need to purchase tickets, can use the Door of Saint Clement entrance. 
  • Mass and prayers: Visitors who wish to attend mass and prayers can use the Door of Flowers entrance. 
  • St. Mark’s Museum: To enter the museum, visitors must make their way into the basilica and walk up to the second floor to access the museum.

​Book skip-the-line tickets to St.Mark's Basilica

Which St. Mark's Basilica entrance do I choose?

Most visitors choose the main entrance to enter the basilica, which is why it is usually crowded.  If you are a skip-the-line ticket holder or you are a part of a guided tour group,  you should use the St. Peter’s Door entrance to enter the basilica. If you wish to attend mass or prayer you can enter the church through the Door of the Flowers entrance. This entrance can also be used by visitors with disabilities.

How do I enter St. Mark's Basilica?

St. Mark's Basilica Hosted Entry Tickets with Skip-the-Line Access

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Flexible duration
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Venice Icons: St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

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1 hr. 30 min. - 3 hr. 30 min.
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St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour with Museum

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40 min. - 1 hr. 30 min.
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Venice Pass Skip-the-Line St. Mark's Basilica & Bell Tower

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Frequently asked questions about St. Mark's Basilica entrances

How many entrances are there to St. Mark's Basilica?

St. Mark's Basilica features three entrances: the main entrance, the northern entrance, and the western entrance. Each entrance offers its own historical & architectural significance and accessibility options.

What is the average wait time at the entrances to St. Mark's Basilica?

The average wait time at the entrances to St. Mark's Basilica can vary based on the season and time of day. Generally, during peak tourist periods or in the morning when crowds are larger, the wait can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more. To avoid longer queues, arriving early or later in the afternoon could significantly reduce your wait time. Buying skip-the-line tickets in advance can also save you from waiting and provide direct access to this magnificent landmark.

Which St. Mark's Basilica entrance do skip the line ticket holders use?

​Skip the line ticket holders can use the Saint Peter’s door entrance. This entrance is located as the second door to the left of the main entrance and is specifically designated for visitors with priority entrance tickets. It allows skip-the-line access for those holding priority tickets, enabling them to enter the basilica directly through this particular entrance, potentially reducing wait times compared to the main entrance or other access points.

Which is the best St. Mark's Basilica entrance?

The reserved entrance, which is at the Door of Saint Peter, is the best entrance to avoid the lengthy queues.

What is the average wait time at the St. Mark's Basilica entrance?

The average wait time to enter St. Mark’s Basilica can be anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour if you don’t have a priority entrance or guided tour ticket.

Which St. Mark's Basilica entrance is used for guided tours?

​Guided tour groups must use the St. Peter’s Door entrance to enter the basilica.

Which St. Mark's Basilica entrance do visitors with disabilities use?

Visitors with disabilities are recommended to utilize the main entrance, primarily the central door, which is equipped with ramps or facilities to accommodate accessibility needs.

Which St. Mark's Basilica entrance do I use if I have already purchased tickets?

If you have already purchased tickets, you can use the Door of Saint Peter.

Which entrance should I use at St. Mark's Basilica if I don’t have tickets?

For visitors without tickets, the main entrance, usually through the central door, is the primary access point to acquire tickets and enter the basilica.

Which entrance should I use at St. Mark's Basilica if I’m traveling with a group?

Traveling with a group? It’s best to use the main entrance through the central door to organize your group's entry efficiently and ensure everyone enters together.

Which St. Mark's Basilica entrance do I use if I don’t have tickets?

Use the main entrance - the Door of Saint Clement if you don’t have online tickets and need to purchase them at the basilica.

Which St. Mark's Basilica entrance should I use if I’m traveling with a group?

If you are traveling with a group as a part of a guided tour, you can use the St. Peter's Door entrance.

How do I avoid waiting in line for a long time at St. Mark's Basilica?

You can opt for St. Mark’s Basilica skip the line tickets or guided tours to avoid waiting in line.

What are the St. Mark's Basilica timings?

​St. Mark’s Basilica is open from 9:45 AM to 5 PM, Mondays through Saturdays, and from 2 PM to 4 PM on Sundays and holidays.

What time should I visit St. Mark's Basilica to avoid waiting in line?

We recommend visiting St. Mark’s Basilica early in the morning or later in the afternoon closer to closing time often offers a better chance to avoid long lines and crowds. Arriving before the opening time can also be advantageous.

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