Venice is a unique city, the beauty of which can captivate even the most sophisticated traveler. It is not only famous for its unusual architectural design, but every year it attracts tourists with unique monuments, as well as the opportunity to visit fascinating excursions and large-scale cultural events. Piazza San Marco is unanimously recognized as the heart of the city on the water, and its pearl is the majestic cathedral of the same name.
Construction history
The history of the cathedral dates back to 828. At that time, the Italian merchants Buono and Rustico were in Alexandria, having found the worst time in the chronology of the ancient city. The followers of Islam destroyed Christian churches, building Muslim mosques in their place. Many historical monuments and holy relics were under threat, and two Venetians decided to save at least something. Their choice fell on the remains of the holy Apostle Mark. The task was not easy for them. In order not to be caught, they were forced to hide the relics under pig carcasses, because for Muslims, a pig is an unclean animal that is forbidden to even touch.
The cargo of the Saracens, hidden in canvas, was passed without inspection. After the cunning Venetians arrived in their homeland, the Apostle Mark was named the patron saint of Venice, and the winged lion became the symbol of the Italian pearl. Thanks to the brothers Partechipazio – the noble doges of the city on the water – the construction of the cathedral took three years. Unfortunately, the original building has not been preserved and its intended appearance can only be judged by fragments of ancient records and archeological finds. The fire of 976 caused severe damage to the original structure, and it was only possible to restore it by the end of the tenth century.
The formation of the appearance in which the cathedral appears before modern travelers began in the 11th century. Under the venerable Doge Domenico Selvo, the first mosaic was inlaid, and his successor Vitale Faliera contributed to the consecration of the temple. The design of the basilica, the construction and expansion of the cross-domed church, the construction of the baptistery, chapels and sacristy took several centuries. Judging by the paintings of the Venetian artists, the main work on the exterior was completed by the end of the fifteenth century. The architects J. Sansovino and B. Longena played a significant role in this. Despite the fact that the Cathedral is recognized as a UNESCO site and attracts many tourists, it is still active.
Architecture and interior
The world‘s researchers of history and architecture agree that the Venetian cathedral is unique in its kind, since it does not completely belong to any of the currently known architectural styles. The reason for this is the protracted construction, during which the classical Greek basilica turned into a splendor, decorated with oriental marble, Italian sculptures and Romanesque bas-reliefs. But what is most surprising is that things that are completely incompatible in the stylistic sense look harmonious and majestic. The cathedral was built according to a project similar to the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, but does not repeat it completely. The facades of the building are lined with marble, mosaics and sculptures.
The central dome of the basilica rises to 63 meters, and from the inside, like the vaults and the upper level of the walls, it is inlaid with mosaics. For the manufacture of most of the fragments, glass from the island of Murano was used – the main pride of Venetian artisans. The plots of the mosaics touch upon the New and Old Testaments, as well as the life of the apostles Mark, Isidore and John the Baptist. Renowned historians and specialists in cultural studies recognize the temple as an architectural book – in no other place are the plots of the Bible depicted so scrupulously, completely and impressively. Each dome covers a single storyline. So, for example, the Dome of the Creation of the World contains scenes from the book of Genesis, and the Domes of Joseph, of which there are three, contain the biography of Joseph the Beautiful.
What to see
Rich decoration and outstanding mosaic inlays capture the attention of tourists from the first steps, but the basilica is famous not only for its impressive decoration. An inquisitive tourist is obliged to look into the baptistery. Its marble-lined walls amazingly set off the vaults, which are filigree decorated with Byzantine-style mosaics. The tombs contain Andrea Dandolo and Giovanni Soranza, 54th and 51st Doges of Venice, respectively. In the center of the hall there is a font sealed with a bronze lid. Above it, under the dome, the faces of the twelve apostles are inlaid.
Pala D`Oro, a golden image located next to the main altar of the basilica, attracts attention no less. The image extends for approximately 3 meters in length and width and contains about 250 miniatures. Some of them were written under Enrico Dandolo (41 Venetian Doge), a number of them – under Pietro Gianni, who replaced him. The image owes its final appearance to Andrea Dandolo, on whose orders a gilded frame was ordered, in which the finished miniatures were installed. For a long time, the altar image was closed from human eyes, showing only on major church holidays, but today every visitor to the basilica can admire it.
Another place worthy of attention is the Treasury of the Cathedral of San Marco, which is located between the temple and the Doge's Palace. The door to it is decorated with a mosaic picture depicting angels surrounded by flames. The theme was not chosen by chance – it reminds of a fire that destroyed a significant part of the original building. Inside there are two rooms: the Sanctuary and the treasury itself. The variety of collected relics is amazing. There are church utensils, jewelry made of precious metals, caskets with holy relics, chalices and even the throne-reliquary of St. Mark himself. Most of the treasures were brought from the sacked Constantinople, and even then only a small fraction of the former wealth. Unfortunately, part of the collection was stolen, and some precious metals and stones were sold in order to get the necessary funds for the restoration of the cathedral.
Opening hours and ticket prices
Staying in the Basilica should not exceed 10 minutes. It is forbidden: to enter the Basilica in too open clothes, to take pictures and shoot videos, to talk loudly, to take bulky luggage with you.
Visit from November to June:
Visit from June to November:
Where is it located and how to get there
Exact address: San Marco, 328, 30124
You can get there by vaporetti (water bus) on routes 1, 51 and 2.