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4.3(16.1K Ratings)

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St. Mark's Basilica Tickets






From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Gradimir Konstantinovic
AU

Gradimir

Australia
Jul 2025
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+1 more

Great guides (Filipo and Felicia), very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Timetable followed, guides looking after us on the hot day to have enough rest.
Alain Desmarais
CA

Alain

Canada
Jun 2025
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+1 more

Very knowledgeable guide, jovial and experienced, magnificent historic site, full day, disappointed with the gondola tour, too many gondolas on the canal, extreme traffic and no narrative.
Donald hawkes

Donald

Jun 2025
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Doing these tours in the evening is the best way to see these sites. The crowds were smaller and you get the light show in St Marks. When the glass mosaic tiles in the ceilings are lit up, it's breathtaking. We had a great guide who really looked after us.
Eric Lee Smith
US

Eric

United States
Jun 2025
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Our tour guide, Lorenzo, was fantastic! Extremely knowledgeable and created a setting where the history came back to life. I HIGHLY recommend booking the early morning tour before everything gets busy.
Caitlin Erbacher
AU

Caitlin

Australia
Apr 2025
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+1 more

Our guide was absolutely wonderful, incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Venetian art, architecture, politics, and commerce. Tickets to both the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica had already sold out by the time I thought to check, so I'm really glad I was able to see them this way. One tiny little thing - the meet up instructions said that the guide would be holding a particular sign, which they weren't, so I hung back for ages cause I couldn't tell which tour group was mine.
Ilka-Maria Lemke-Seeliger

Ilka-maria

May 2025
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Great experience beyond my expectation. Magnificent ceiling pictures in the Marcus duomo and great rooms in the Doge palace. Preparing with the tickets before the visit was the right thing to do.
JULIE WIGG
GB

Julie

United Kingdom
Apr 2025
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Saint Marks Basilica is absolutely stunning. I have been to Venice a few times but only for the Benalli and have never made it into this church. This time I brought my parents and we did the main sights. It was incredibly busy though, I think the guided tour groups, should be limited to small grouos once in the church. There is just not the room for them. Apart from them, it is absolutely breathtaking, the amount of workmanship and Craft that has gone into this building. Goodness knows how they keep it safe with that level of tourists every day. We did book early, which is advisable as there were no tickets available once you had arrived in Venice. The Doges Palace, had an untied ticket so we could make our own way there when we were ready which I thought was excellent. Once again, such a beautiful building, and very much worth a visit.
Raffaella Menozzi

Raffaella

Mar 2025
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Everything went very well. I was a little worried because I was not familiar with this site and had read in a review that the tickets sold were not valid. Actually just follow the directions and go to pick up the physical tickets at a store near St. Mark's where they give out tickets with a QR code that is then scanned at the turnstiles and works perfectly. The audio guide must be downloaded to your phone. The advice is to download it outside St. Mark's because inside it does not pick up and you cannot use it. Tickets are purchased for a specific time but you can actually get in the entire hour before: our tickets for example were for 10:30 and we were able to validate them as early as 9:45, unexpectedly making up some time

Top things to do in Venice

Originally built in the 9th century to house the remains of St. Mark, the basilica was rebuilt in Byzantine style after a fire in 932 AD. Known as the Church of Gold for its lavish use of gold, the basilica's Greek cross design is a testament to its architectural grandeur. Join us as we delve into the fascinating story of St. Mark's Basilica and its hidden treasures with our expert guides. Find curated St. Mark's Basilica tour options to elevate your visit to this iconic landmark.

Which St. Mark's Basilica tour is best for you?

Skip-the-line guided tours

Skip-the-line guided tours

Duration: 1 hour - 9 hours
Suited for: Priority access and in-depth insights from expert guides.
Ticket price: €39 to €134.1

Why go for it?

  • Enjoy swift entry, maximizing your time inside the basilica. Enjoy a more relaxed and focused visit without the rush.
  • Understand the significance of the basilica's art and architecture with expert commentary providing historical context and interesting facts.
  • Many skip-the-line tours include access to the St. Mark’s Museum & Doge's Palace, allowing for a more thorough exploration.

Recommended tours:
Guided Tour of St. Marks Basilica with Priority Entry
For extended exploration:
St. Mark’ & Doge’s Palace Full-Day Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry

After hours tours

After hours tours

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes - 3 hours
Suited for: Intimate and less crowded experience.
Ticket Price: From €88.2

Why go for it?

  • Witness the basilica adorned in the soft glow of evening lights. The after-hours tour provides a unique perspective on the architectural details and mosaics.
  • Enjoy the serenity of St. Mark's Basilica without the daytime crowds. Enrich your visit with expert guide's insights, delving into the basilica's history and art.

Recommended tours:
Alone in St. Mark's Basilica with Optional Doge's Palace

Walking city tours

Walking city tours

Duration: 3 - 4 hours
Suited for: Condensed tour of Venice's iconic landmarks.
Ticket Price: From €89

Why go for it?

  • A walking city tour provides an intimate, immersive and flexible experience, allowing you to soak in the charm of Venice at your own pace.
  • Led by an expert guide, the walking tour ensures you don't miss any historical or architectural gems. Get fascinating insights into the city's rich history and culture.

Recommended tours:
Walking Tour of Venice with Guided Tour of Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica
Absolute Venice - Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & More with Priority Access

Gondola cruises

Gondola cruises

Duration: 2 - 6 hours
Suited for: Cultural Venetian experience with Basilica access
Ticket Price: From €75 - €119.81

Why go for it?

  • Enjoy the best of both worlds – explore the iconic St. Mark's Basilica and experience the famed magical charm of Venice's canals on a gondola.
  • Glide through the picturesque canals, passing landmarks like Mozart House, La Fenice Theatre, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Salute Church, immersing yourself in the city's opulent ambiance.

Recommended tours:
Venice Full-Day Guided Tour with Gondola Cruise
Guided Tour of St. Mark's Basilica with Gondola Ride

Why take a St. Mark's Basilica tour?

St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most popular and most visited landmarks in Venice. Here are a few reasons why you should take a St. Mark’s Basilica tour.

St. Mark's Basilica tours
  • Convenience: Guided tour includes a skip the line feature that allows you priority access to the Basilica, which means that you can skim past hour-long queues to enter the attraction.
  • Expert guides: A guided tour offers an opportunity to gain more knowledge and insight into the history of the attraction as well as its art, architecture, and culture with a guide who knows the Basilica like the back of their hand.
  • Comprehensive options: Different tours cater to varied preferences, including guided walks, gondola rides, and visits to nearby attractions like Doge's Palace and Murano and Burano islands.
  • Exclusive access: After-hours tours provide a quieter and more intimate experience, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the basilica without the usual crowds.
  • Cultural experience: Walking city tours and gondola cruises often include exploration of Venice beyond the basilica, offering a more holistic understanding of the city's culture and history.
Plan your visit to St. Mark's Basilica

Highlights covered on your St. Mark's Basilica tour

st. mark's basilica tours
st. mark's basilica tours
Treasury
St. Mark’s Museum
Tomb of St. Mark
Transept Chapels
Golden Mosaic
Marble Inlays
The Basilica Terrace
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Dome

St. Mark’s Basilica features five colossal domes embellished with golden mosaics, positioned directly at the intersection point above the arms of the Basilica. They depict different scenes like The Creation in the Narthex, The Ascension in the centre of the dome, The Pentecost on the western side, The Life of Saint Leonard, Saint Nicholas, Clement and Blaise in the south, and The Life of Saint John in the north of the dome.

The Pala d’Oro

The Pala d’Oro, commissioned by the Venetians in 1102 from Constantinople, is a stunning altarpiece at St. Mark’s Basilica. Adorned with Byzantine enamel, pearls, jewels, and precious stones, it is considered one of the world's most precious works of art. Completed in 1105, it covers the altar during church service and is then replaced with gold or silver.

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Treasury

St. Mark’s Basilica’s Treasury holds a remarkable collection of Byzantine portable objects, including items made of gold, silver, glass, enamel, and other precious metals. These artifacts, totaling 283 pieces, were acquired from various sources, primarily Constantinople, between 1204 and 1261. Among the collection are liturgical chalices, patens, bowls, lamps, glass vases, semi-precious stones, and western items such as Venetian filigree. It also boasts gifts from popes, European princes, and doges.

St. Mark’s Museum

The 19th century Museum includes notable pieces such as the quadriga of St. Mark, an altarpiece by Paolo Veneziano, a 14th-century painting depicting St. Mark’s life stories, Persian carpets, liturgical vestments, illuminated manuscripts, golden tesserae, tapestries, bones of saints, fragments of ancient mosaics, and various relics.

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Tomb of St. Mark

The Basilica was built to enshrine the tomb of Saint Mark. During construction, old ruins on the site were repurposed into a crypt beneath the presbytery. Venetian merchants are said to have smuggled Saint Mark's remains from Egypt to Venice. After restoration work, the crypt reopened in 1889. Despite claims by a British historian suggesting the remains belong to Alexander the Great, no evidence supports this. Tours of the crypt are available outside regular hours.

Transept Chapels

St. Mark’s Basilica features several transept chapels dedicated to specific saints, including the Cappella della Madonna dei Mascoli, Cappella di San Clemente, Zen Chapel, Cappella della Madonna Nicopeia, Cappella di San Giovanni, and the Chapel of St. Isadore, among others. These chapels, located in the arms extending from the main dome, showcase beautiful vault mosaics depicting stories from the lives of the saints they honor.

Golden Mosaic

St. Mark’s Basilica boasts stunning mosaics and marble inlays covering over 8000 square meters of its walls, vaults, and domes. Crafted from ground gold, these mosaics illuminate the Basilica with a warm glow when sunlight filters in, depicting tales from the Bible, allegorical figures, and events from the lives of Christ, the Virgin Mary, Saint Mark, and more.

Marble Inlays

St. Mark’s Basilica boasts 2099 square meters of marble inlays on its floor, adorned with earthy tones and intricate geometric patterns intertwined with floral and animal designs. These marbles, brought from Constantinople after the Fourth Crusade in 1204, were carefully chosen to symbolize various aspects of the Basilica's construction based on their color and characteristics.

The Basilica Terrace

Don't miss the Basilica Terrace during your visit to this iconic monument. Overlooking St. Mark’s Square, it offers stunning views of Venice and its landmarks. Look out for rare tapestries, textiles, and the original Basilica horses on your way up. Note: The horses outside are replicas.

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What to expect on a St. Mark's Basilica tour?

St. Mark’s Basilica is massive. You might find it difficult to navigate the attraction all by yourself, which is why a guided tour is recommended because it includes an expert guide with in-depth knowledge of the Basilica. You can listen to fascinating stories and anecdotes about the site on your tour. A St. Mark’s Basilica tour will enhance your experience of the visit because you have an expert telling you all that there is to know about the historic site.

After you meet your group and guide at the designated meeting point, you will be taken inside St. Mark’s Basilica and shown all the artworks, architecture, mosaic inlays, and installations as well as major points of interest like the dome, the treasury, the St. Mark’s Museum, Pala d’Or, the Tomb of St. Mark, the Transept Chapels, Campanile, and the Basilica Terrace. Soak in the rich history and magnificent architecture of the Basilica as well as stunning views of the city of Venice and its iconic landmarks on your St. Mark’s Basilica tour.

Plan Your Visit to St. Mark's Basilica

Frequently asked questions about St. Mark's Basilica tours

How much does a St. Mark's Basilica tours cost?

The cost of a St. Mark's Basilica guided tour varies based on factors such as tour type, duration, and additional inclusions like skip-the-line access or combo options. Prices typically range from €32 to €90 per person, with options including skip-the-line tours starting at €32, guided tours with gondola ride from €75, after-hours tours starting at €78.40, and combo tours from €89. Prices may change, so it's recommended to check real-time availability and prices through our curated collection of experiences.

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

Choosing the best tour depends largely on your personal preferences. Here's something to help:

  • If you're short on time: Consider a skip-the-line guided tour, offering priority access and expert insights in a condensed timeframe.

  • If you want to explore in-depth: An after-hours tour provides a serene and intimate experience, allowing you to delve into the basilica's history and architecture without daytime crowds.
  • If you want the complete Venice experience: Opt for a walking city tour, combining a guided exploration of St. Mark's Basilica with a leisurely stroll through Venice's iconic landmarks or even better, a serene gondola ride.
Why should I opt for a guided tour of the St. Mark’s Basilica and what does it include?

Opting for a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica is a smart choice because you get insider knowledge from experts who share fascinating facts about the basilica's art and history. Plus, you get to skip the long lines, so you can spend more time exploring and less time waiting. Access major points of interest inside the Basilica like the Treasury, the Transept Chapels, the Tomb of St. Mark, the Campanile, the Basilica Terrace, the Dome, and more. Some tours even include access to other cool attractions like the Doge's Palace or take a gondola cruise, giving you a full Venetian experience. It's like having a VIP pass to Venice's cultural highlights!

What is the cost of the guided tour compared to a regular ticket?

Guided tours are pricier compared to regular tickets, but they come with added benefits like expert commentary and skip-the-line access. You can expect to pay around €32 to €75 more per person for this enhanced experience. However, it's totally worth it for the insights and avoiding long queues!

In what languages are the tours available?

St. Mark’s Basilica guided tours are available in four languages – English, Spanish, German, and French.

How many people can go on a tour?

It depends on the type of guided tour you book. The small group tour will have no more than 10 people while the other guided tours have a maximum capacity of 25 guests.

Is the St. Mark’s Basilica tour worth it?

Yes. The St. Mark’s Basilica tour is worth it because it is the largest church in Venice and one of the most iconic ones in the world. It houses the remains of Saint Mark and is famous for its mosaic flooring.

Do the tours include skip the line access?

Yes. The St. Mark’s Basilica guided tours include a skip the line feature, which means you get priority access to the attraction.

Can I cancel a booked tour?

Yes. You can cancel your St. Mark’s Basilica tour between 24 to 72 hours before the scheduled date and get a full refund. Make sure you check the cancellation policy of the tour you book.

How long is the St. Mark’s Basilica guided tour?

The St. Mark’s Basilica guided tour can take anywhere between 1 to 4 hours, depending on the tour you book.

Are there any discounted tickets for St. Mark’s Basilica tours?

Yes. You can get up to 5% off on your St. Mark's Basilica tour tickets. Additionally, children between 2 to 5 years of age can enjoy reduced ticket prices for the Guided Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica with Gondola Ride.

Can I book a private tour?

Yes, private tours like after-hours tour are often available for St. Mark's Basilica. These tours offer a more personalized experience at .

Are there any age restrictions for the guided tours?

There are typically no specific age restrictions for guided tours of St. Mark's Basilica. However, it's essential to check the specific ticket details as some tours may be more suitable for certain age groups due to the content or duration of the tour.

Are audio guides available as an alternative to a human guide?

Yes, audio guides are available as an alternative to a human guide for exploring St. Mark's Basilica. These guides provide recorded commentary in multiple languages, allowing visitors to learn about the basilica's history and significance at their own pace.

Are there any areas of the Basilica that are accessible only with a guided tour?

Yes, there are certain areas of the Basilica that are accessible only with a guided tour. For example, access to the terrace is available exclusively through guided tours. These tours provide visitors with the opportunity to explore hidden or restricted areas of the basilica while receiving insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides.

Where is the designated meet-up point for the tours?

The meet-up point for guided tours is typically located in the main entrance hall of St. Mark's Basilica. You can easily spot it by looking for signage or asking a staff member for assistance. However, it's advisable to check your tickets for the most current information, as different types of tickets may have different meeting points.

What if I arrive late?

If you arrive late, there's a chance you may miss the tour, as they usually start promptly. Latecomers might not be able to join the group or receive a refund. To avoid this, aim to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. This way, you'll have some buffer time in case you encounter any delays on your way.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.