Because it will be over eventually

When would it be over is the question in everybody’s mind these days. Nobody has an answer, there are a few scenarios, but not a real answer. 

That said, we do know that one day it will be over, perhaps life will be different, we will be different, but some things will always be there for us to see. 

On a note of optimism

Just before the virus hit Italy so ferociously, I had visited St. Mark’s Basilica. It was a day when the line was shorter, so I thought I should take advantage and see it again, as part of my project to visit all (well, most of them, is more realistic), of Venice’s churches. 

The line went surprisingly fast though. The interior of the Basilica is illuminated on weekdays in the morning from 11:30 to 12:45 and on Sundays and public holidays during liturgical celebrations. It is important to plan the visit during that time, that way the golden mosaics can be really enjoyed. 

The first thing to see is the Treasure of Saint Mark—created in a medieval tower of the ancient Palazzo Ducale—it houses a rare collection of icons, chalices, ornaments, and reliquaries.

The basilica itself is free of charge, but it is worth buying a ticket which includes the view of the Pala D’oro, the four horses, and the museum. See below the times and prices for the visits. 

Photography is strictly prohibited and emphatically carried out. So keep that cell phone in your pocket. 

Climbing up a two-way very narrow stair with dangerously uneven steps, we’ll get to the floor where the four horses are located. 

From this floor, it is still possible to have a beautiful view of the interior of the basilica with all its mosaics. These mosaics date back to the twelfth century and give the church a glowing light, very suggestive lighting effects studied in every detail.

The loggia outside hosts the copies of the four horses, and a beautiful vista of Piazza San Marco, and Palazzo Ducale on the left side. 

The visit may take about an hour, depending on how long one like to stay on top to just look around. It is suggested to visit with a guide to really enjoy the magnificence of this Basilica.

 

Click here for information and reservations

November – June:

 Basilica: 9.30 – 17.00 (free admission – last access 16.45) – Sunday and holidays: 14.00 – 16.30 (free admission – last access 16.15; last access “skip the line” 16:00)

 Museum of San Marco: 9.45am – 4.45pm (admission: full 5 €, reduced 2.50 € only for groups over 25 people)

 Pala d’oro: 9.45 – 16.45 – public holidays: 14.00 – 16.30 (admission: full 2 ​​€, reduced 1 € only for groups over 25 people)

 Treasury: 9.45am – 4.45pm – public holidays: 2.00pm – 4.30pm (admission: full 3 €, reduced 1.50 € only for groups over 25 people)

 June – November:

 Basilica: 9.30am – 5.00pm (free admission – last admission 4.45pm) – Sunday and holidays: 2.00pm – 5.00pm (free admission – last admission 4.45pm; last access “skip the line” 4.30pm)

 Museum of San Marco: 9.45am – 4.45pm (admission: full 5 €, reduced 2.50 € only for groups over 25 people)

 Pala d’oro: 9.45 – 17.00 – Sunday and public holidays: 14.00 – 17.00 (admission: full 2 ​​€, reduced 1 € only for groups over 25 people)

 Treasury: 9.45am – 5.00pm – Sunday and public holidays: 2.00pm – 5.00pm (admission: full 3 €, reduced 1.50 € only for groups over 25 people)