Monday, February 17, 2014

The most famous church in Venice, the Basilica of St. Mark's, the place where the Doges, once elected, were presented to the Venetians

















The main city church, it was built in the IX century to lay to rest the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist. It was restructured and added to many times but maintained its characteristic profile of a Byzantine church. The ceilings and the cupolas are decorated with mosaics on a gold background which date back to the XII-XIV centuries. The mosaics cover a total area of 4000 square metres. 

Inside the Basilica, the dark, mysterious light added to by the golden reflections of the mosaics initially daunts the visitor.


















The Doge was the chief magistrate and leader of the Most Serene Republic of Venice for over a thousand years. Doges of Venice were elected for life by the city-state's aristocracy and the basilica was the place were the Doges were anointed.


















Venice offers a wide selection of hotels for every preferences and budgets. Find yours!

Do you want to see more fascinating places in Venice?

Getting around
Events
St. Marks square
The Bell Tower
The Palazzo Ducale