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A walk look inside St. Mark's Basilica - From Palo d'Oro to golden mosaics
St. Mark's Basilica Inside
Highlights - St. Mark's Basilica's inside
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What's inside St. Mark's Basilica?
Entry hall - The Zen Chapel
In the southern entry hall, the Zen Chapel honors Cardinal Giambattista Zen. It displays a 5th-century bronze arched gate from Constantinople and a mosaic cycle illustrating St. Mark's life in 12 scenes. These scenes include the angelic prophecy about St. Mark's burial in Venice and the divine right of the church to possess his relics. Explore other chapels like Chapel of Saint Giovanni, illustrating St. John's life, and the Cappella della Madonna Nicopeia, home to the renowned Byzantine icon of the Madonna Nicopeia.
The Chancel
The chancel, just before the apse, is bordered by a Gothic altar screen dating back to 1394. This ornate screen showcases silver and bronze statues of the Virgin Mary, St. Mark, and the twelve disciples of Jesus. Behind it, marble banisters denote the start of the choir area, hosting the Doge and civic leaders. Further lies the presbytery, housing the renowned Pala d'Oro high altar. Bronze reliefs of St. Mark adorn each side, depicting his miracles.
Pala d’Oro
The Pala d'Oro, a Byzantine masterpiece, is a stunning altarpiece within St. Mark's Basilica. Commissioned in 976, it underwent modifications over the years, featuring 187 enamel plaques and over 1,900 gemstones including pearls, garnets, emeralds, rubies, and amethysts. Created in 1209, it depicts Archangel Michael and scenes from Christ's life in the upper section, while the lower half illustrates Christ and events from St. Mark's life.
Highlights of Pala d'Oro
Mosaics
The dazzling gold-grounded mosaics are an absolute attention grabber! Spanning 8,000 pieces covering 4,240 square meters, these Byzantine-style artworks illustrate biblical narratives and Venetian history. Developed over 8 centuries, they depict key religious figures and city stories. Among these, the Christ Pantocrator in the apse, the Dome of the Creation in the narthex, and the Agony in the Garden are particularly revered.
Marble Floor inlays
The tessellated floor of the cathedral spreads across 2099 square meters with marble and limestone mosaics. Divided into earthly and divine zones, the floor employs opus sectile and opus tessellatum techniques from Constantinople and Byzantine Greece. Fancy geometric forms and floral-animal motifs adorn the floor, showcasing a rectangular herringbone mosaic in the nave, a must-see highlight.
St. Mark's Museum
The museum, situated on the first floor, displays significant church artifacts, established in the 19th century. Among these treasures are the Triumphal Quadriga or Horses of Saint Mark, four bronze horses from classical antiquity (2nd or 3rd century AD). It houses Persian carpets, ancient priestly attire, St. Mark's manuscripts, and 19th-century-restored ancient mosaics. Exhibits include woolen tapestries depicting Christ's Passion and silk-silver tapestries showcasing St. Mark's life.
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The Treasury
The Treasury at St. Mark’s Basilica, between the church and the Doge Palace, houses a collection of sacred relics and objects. Acquired during the Fourth Crusade, the collection includes Byzantine metalworks and enamels. Among its treasures are artifacts purportedly taken from Constantinople, such as a fragment of the True Cross, a vessel containing Christ's Precious Blood, and a relic of St. John the Baptist. With 283 items in total, the treasury showcases gold, silver, and ceramic pieces, including chalices and bowls, from Byzantine and Islamic cultures.
The St. Mark Tomb
The crypt below the presbytery is believed to have housed St. Mark's body around 1063, before the relics were relocated to the high altar in 1835. It was constructed from repurposed church buildings and features ancient columns and arches, creating an atmospheric environment. Controversy surrounds the relics, with some suggesting they may belong to Alexander the Great.
Iconostasis
The Iconostasis in St. Mark's Basilica is a decorative partition adorned with religious icons, separating the nave from the sanctuary. This Byzantine-style wooden screen features intricate paintings of saints, biblical scenes, and symbols, representing the spiritual connection between earthly and heavenly realms. It adds a sense of sacredness to the church's interior, with a touch of Eastern Orthodox traditions.
Patriarchal Throne
The Patriarchal Throne, situated within St. Mark's Basilica, is an ornate seat symbolic of ecclesiastical authority. Crafted from marble with intricate carvings, it serves as the ceremonial seat of the Patriarch of Venice, holding historical and religious importance. It represents the spiritual leadership and authority of the Patriarch within the basilica.
Golden Pall
The Golden Pall inside St. Mark's Basilica is a valuable fabric embellished with intricate embroidery, typically made from threads of gold or silver. It is delicately draped over religious relics, altars, or esteemed religious figures during ceremonies, symbolizing their importance and reverence. In St. Mark's Basilica, the Golden Pall represents the grandeur and solemnity of its religious rituals.
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Frequently asked questions about St. Mark's Basilica's inside
What can I expect to discover inside St. Mark's Basilica?
Inside St. Mark's Basilica, visitors can explore a blend of architectural styles, including Renaissance, Byzantine, Venetian, and Islamic influences. The interior features intricate mosaics, sculptures, and historical artifacts that narrate the life of Venice's patron saint, Mark the Evangelist. Chapels dedicated to different saints offer unique artworks, such as the mosaic cycle in the Zen Chapel portraying scenes from St. Mark's life. Don't miss iconic pieces like the Byzantine icon of the Madonna Nicopeia housed in the Cappella della Madonna Nicopeia.
Can I go inside St. Mark's Basilica?
Yes, absolutely! The basilica welcomes visitors eager to explore its grandeur. However, please note that there might be specific visiting hours or entry procedures, so it's good to check in advance.
Can you tour inside St. Mark's Basilica?
Indeed, guided tours offer a deeper understanding of the basilica's history, art, and cultural significance. They unveil fascinating stories about the basilica's construction, its illustrious past, and the symbolism behind its captivating artworks. Booking a tour can enrich your experience immensely.
What are some must-see highlights inside St. Mark's Basilica?
St. Mark's Basilica boasts several must-see highlights. The Pala d'Oro, an ornate altarpiece shimmering with intricate gold and jewels, is a definite highlight. Don't miss the gold mosaics, which adorn the walls and ceilings, narrating tales from the Bible and Venetian history. The Zen Chapel and the tomb of St. Mark are also not to be missed for their historical and religious significance.
What famous artworks are inside St. Mark's Basilica?
St. Mark's Basilica houses a wealth of renowned artworks. The Pala d'Oro, a magnificent altarpiece embellished with precious stones and intricate gold leaf, stands as a testament to exquisite craftsmanship. The basilica's walls and ceilings adorned with mesmerizing mosaics narrate tales of religious significance and historical events, showcasing unparalleled artistic brilliance.
How big is St. Mark's Basilica?
St. Mark's Basilica is 43 meters in height and occupies a floor space of 76.5 m long and 62.6 m wide.
Can you take pictures inside St. Mark's Basilica?
Photography is allowed, but with some limitations. Flash photography and the use of selfie sticks are generally prohibited to preserve the basilica's artworks and maintain a serene atmosphere for all visitors.
Is there a dress code I should follow to go inside St. Mark's Basilica?
Respectful attire is appreciated inside the basilica. To honor its religious significance, avoid wearing sleeveless tops and shorts. Opt for clothing that covers shoulders and knees as a mark of respect.
Is St. Mark's Basilica worth it?
St. Mark's Basilica is a must-see destination for those interested in Venetian and Byzantine architecture and history.
Who designed St. Mark's Basilica?
St. Mark's Basilica was designed by several architects and under the patronage of Doges of Venice over the course of its construction.
Where is St. Mark's Basilica located?
St. Mark's Basilica is located in Venice, Italy, on the eastern side of St. Mark's Square.
When was St. Mark's Basilica built?
St. Mark's Basilica was built in the 11th century, but it has undergone many renovations , reconstructions and additions since then.
Is going inside St. Mark's Basilica worth it?
Absolutely! Visiting St. Mark's Basilica is an extraordinary experience that unveils centuries of history, remarkable art, and architectural splendor. The grandeur, the stories behind each artwork, and the spiritual ambiance make it an incredibly enriching and worthwhile visit for anyone interested in history, art, or culture.
