Venice, Piazza San Marco and its Basilica

Duration: 2 hours

Heart of the Serenessima Republic of Venice, Piazza San Marco is one of the most precious architectural jewels, and it is called the most beautiful square in the world. It is the largest square in Venice and the only one to be called “square”, while all the others are called “campi” or “campielli”. Majestic and imposing, it is surrounded by architectural works of amazing beauty and elegance. Surrounded by the Clock Tower, with its two “Mori” who beat the hours on the top, by the Procuratie Vecchie, the ancient seat of the Doge and then by the highest Judiciary of the Republic, by the Napoleonic Wing, by the Bell Tower of San Marco, in ancient times lighthouse for sailors, from the majestic Basilica of San Marco, and from the Doge’s Palace, is a mandatory destination for every tourist who goes to Venice.

The Basilica of San Marco is the cathedral of Venice and the most representative monument of the city. Symbol par excellence of the city, it summarizes innumerable styles in a set of surprising harmony. The Byzantine matrix of the present church, built starting from 1063, with the Greek cross plan with domes, was enriched over the centuries with spiers and Gothic sculptures and countless other decorations. Connected to the Doge’s Palace, the Basilica was the doge’s chapel, contained the relics of the patron Saint Mark and was the center of the official ceremonies of the Republic. Over 4000 square meters dominate the imposing interior. of mosaics in which all the main Venetian artists worked from the XII to the XVI century.