Italy Venice Saint Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets

The Horses of Saint Mark are four ancient bronze horses displayed in the Museo di San Marco on the upper level of the Basilica. Originally cast in ancient Greece or Rome, they were removed from the Hippodrome of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204 and brought to Venice as war trophies. The horses on the façade of the Basilica are high-quality 20th century replicas. The originals were moved inside in 1981 to protect them from pollution and are among the most extraordinary surviving works of ancient bronze sculpture.

Beyond the standard admission to the Basilica interior several additional areas require separate tickets. The Pala d'Oro, the breathtaking golden altarpiece, requires a supplement. The Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli featuring the original bronze Horses of Saint Mark and stunning views over the piazza also requires a supplement. The Treasury housing Byzantine sacred objects looted from Constantinople is separately ticketed. A full ticket covering the Basilica, Pala d'Oro, and Museum offers the best value for a comprehensive visit.

Yes. A strict dress code is enforced at Saint Mark's Basilica as it is an active place of Catholic worship. Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times. Sleeveless tops, vests, shorts, and short skirts are not permitted. Large bags and luggage are not permitted inside and must be stored at the left luggage facility at Ateneo San Basso, a short walk from the entrance. Disposable plastic capes are sometimes available at the entrance for those who do not meet the dress code.

Yes. Since July 2025 all visitors must purchase tickets online in advance through the official website at tickets.basilicasanmarco.it. There are no longer any ticket offices at the Basilica or on Piazza San Marco. Arriving without a pre-booked ticket means you will not be able to enter. Tickets are nominative and the name on the ticket must correspond to the visitor's identity document which may be checked at entry.

The Pala d'Oro is a spectacular golden altarpiece displayed behind the high altar of Saint Mark's Basilica. Commissioned in Constantinople in 976 and progressively enriched over the following four centuries, it consists of 250 panels of Byzantine enamel set in a golden frame studded with over 1,300 pearls, 400 garnets, 300 sapphires, 90 amethysts, and 75 balas rubies. It is considered one of the supreme works of medieval goldsmithing and is one of the most extraordinary treasures in Venice.

Photography is not permitted inside the main Basilica nave and interior as it is a functioning Catholic church. This rule is enforced by guards stationed throughout the building. Photography is permitted on the exterior façade and in Piazza San Marco. The Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli terrace do permit photography in most areas. Visitors should follow all instructions from staff regarding photography during their visit.

Saint Mark's Basilica is open to tourists Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 17:15 with last entry at 16:45. On Sundays and holy days the main Basilica is open for visitors from 14:00 onwards as the morning is reserved for religious services. However the Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli are accessible on Sunday mornings from 09:30 to 14:00. The Basilica may close or restrict access on major Catholic feast days so always check the official calendar before your visit.

Saint Mark's Basilica is located in Piazza San Marco in the heart of Venice. The most convenient vaporetto connections are lines 1 and 2 to San Marco Vallaresso stop, a 3-minute walk to the Basilica entrance. From Santa Lucia train station vaporetto line 1 takes approximately 40 minutes. Water taxis can also drop visitors at the San Marco waterfront. The Basilica is directly beside the Doge's Palace making it easy to combine both visits.