What are the St. Mark's Basilica opening hours?
St. Mark's Basilica opens from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm, with the last admission at 4:45 pm.
Where is St. Mark's Basilica located?
St. Mark's Basilica is located in St. Mark's Square, Basilica di San Marco, San Marco, 328, 30124 Venice.
How many entrances does St. Mark's Basilica have?
There are three entrances to St. Mark's Basilica.
How many visitors does St. Mark's Basilica receive per year?
St. Mark's Basilica attracts over three million visitors annually.

What are St. Mark's Basilica opening hours?

Timings:

St. Mark’s Basilica is open every day from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM.
On Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, the Basilica is open to visitors from 2 PM.
The museum - Loggia dei Cavalli is open on Sundays from 9:30 AM to 2 PM.
The Bell Tower is open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:15 PM.
Visitors can enter the Basilica for free for prayer, mass, and services. Use the entrance Porta dei Fiori on the north-side from Piazzetta dei Leoncini square. The prayers start at 8 AM and end at 7:30 PM daily.

Last Admission:

The last admission for tourists to enter St. Mark’s Basilica is at 4:45 PM.
The final entry time to the Bell Tower is at 8:45 PM.

Detailed St. Mark's Basilica opening hours

Best time to visit St. Mark's Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is a top tourist destination. The optimal time to visit St. Mark's Basilica is early morning, shortly after opening, or late afternoon, closer to closing time. Weekdays typically have fewer visitors compared to weekends. Mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a peaceful time and space for exploration.

Venice is always packed with tourists. The best time of the year to visit the canal city is from September to November after the summer season. The crowds are thin, hotel rates are low, and the temperatures drop to around 15 Degrees Celsius. The spring season falls from March to May and summer stretches from June to August - both being a peak time for tourists. You may encounter long lines, crowded streets, and temperatures crossing 28 degrees. Winter, from December to February, is marked by cold weather and occasional flooding. However, Venice gets busier by the end of February because of the world-famous Venice Carnival.

Where is St. Mark's Basilica?

Address: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

St. Mark’s Basilica is located in Saint Mark's Square in the South East Corner of Venice.

Closest Landmark: Doge's Palace, 2-min walk

Detailed directions to St. Mark's Basilica

Getting to St. Mark's Basilica

By public transportation

By Ferry: Walk to Ferrovia 'B' ferry terminal, near Santa Lucia train station. Board No. 2 ferry and alight at the ferry station in Rialto. St. Mark’s Basilica is about a 6 minute walk from the ferry terminal. The approximate travel time is around 30 minutes.
By Train: Alight at the Santa Lucia station and take a water-bus to the Basilica. Routes 1, 2, and 51 will take you there. The approximate travel time is about 25 to 35 minutes.
By Foot: If you plan on walking, the Basilica is about 40 minutes away from Piazzale Roma.

By car

The driving route to St. Mark's Basilica typically begins from Piazzale Roma or the mainland areas like Mestre or Marghera. From Piazzale Roma follow indications leading to the Ponte della Libertà. Cross this bridge, which connects the mainland to Venice. After crossing the bridge, follow the road signs towards the city center and then towards St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco). Driving within Venice is restricted, so cars must be parked at designated area.

Parking facilities:

Autorimessa Comunale
Garage San Marco
Sant’Andrea
Tronchetto near Piazzale Roma

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Book St. Mark's Basilica Tickets & Tours

St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tickets

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Audio guide

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€9.90

St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

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40 min. - 1 hr.

Guided tour

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€24.99

Know before you go to St. Mark's Basilica

Skip-the-line

Facilities

Accessibility

Visiting with family

Rules & Regulations

Tips

Dine

Stay

Book tickets online: Buy skip-the-line or priority access tickets online in advance. Several ticket options, including guided tours, offer fast-track entry to avoid waiting in queues.
Early morning visits: Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. The basilica usually sees fewer visitors during the early hours.
Avoid peak hours: Visit during weekdays or off-peak seasons to reduce waiting times. Weekends and peak tourist seasons usually have larger crowds.
Guided tours: Opt for guided tours that provide skip-the-line privileges. These tours often have reserved entry times.
Combo tickets: Consider combo tickets that include access to multiple attractions. Some tickets offer skip-the-line benefits for St. Mark's Basilica along with other sites like Doge's Palace or St. Mark’s Bell Tower.
VIP or after-hours tours: Explore options for VIP or after-hours tours that allow exclusive access, often with significantly reduced waiting times.

Restrooms on Level 1
Luggage storage at the Piazzetta dei Leoncini.
Gift shops
Audio guides
Information desks
Accessibility - wheelchair access, stairlift & lift, contact points for visitors with special needs

St. Mark's Basilica is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Wheelchair users can enter the St. Mark’s Basilica through the Porta dei Fiori gate by ramp.
The museum on the first floor of the Basilica is accessible by lift.

Since St. Mark’s Basilica is a medieval church, facilities like baby changing services are not available.
Children are welcome to visit or worship, and kids below age 6 can visit the Basilica without tickets.
The basilica supports accessible for strollers.
There are several cafes and eateries in the vicinity where families can take a break, enjoy a meal, or grab snacks suitable for children.

It is mandatory to wear proper attire all the time: no shorts, skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, or hats for men.
Professional photography is not allowed.
Visitors are requested to use earphones during their visit.
St. Mark’s Basilica does not allow visitors with luggage, especially large bags; there's a luggage storage facility available nearby for visitors.
Quietness and respectful behavior are expected; avoid loud conversations and follow instructions from the staff or guides.
Refrain from touching or leaning on the artworks, columns, or walls; maintain a respectful distance from the delicate interiors.

St. Mark’s Basilica is known for its complex architecture and history. We suggest going on a guided tour for a more memorable visit.
Do not feed pigeons or you may have to pay a fine of up to €200 for violating the rule.
Restaurants around the square can be pricey; try exploring nearby streets for more affordable options.
Be cautious of scams in St. Mark’s Square; keep your belongings safe and be aware of suspicious offers.
Pay the extra €8 for the Campanile (Bell Tower) elevator; the view is truly worth it.
Wear comfy shoes and clothes for walking as there's quite a bit of walking involved during the visit.

Marciana: This highly-rated Venetian restaurant serves pizza, pasta, and authentic Venetian cuisine.
Ristorante da Raffaele: Located very close to St. Mark's square, this restaurant is an ideal choice for pasta and lasagna.
Ristorante Rosa Rossa: A beautiful restaurant with cozy wooden interiors. Enjoy authentic pizza, pasta, and a variety of cheese.
Trattoria Al Gazzettino: This fine Italian restaurant is popular and highly rated by tourists. You can order fish and other seafood & authentic Italian dishes.

Budget
Hotel Le Isole (350 m), Hotel Casa Linger (850 m), Hotel Iris Venice (1.3 km)
Mid-Range
Hotel Bonvecchiati (400 m), Hotel Al Codega (450 m), Hotel Flora (550 m)
Luxury
Hotel Danieli (300 m), The Gritti Palace (700 m)

Frequently asked questions about visiting St. Mark's Basilica in Venice

What are the St. Mark’s Basilica opening hours?

The Basilica opens from 9:30 AM (Sundays and solemnities at 2:00 PM) to 5:15 PM, with the last entry at 4:45 PM.

What is the best time to visit St. Mark’s Basilica?

Mornings, particularly early ones, are recommended for a less crowded experience. Weekdays usually witness fewer visitors compared to weekends. Aim for an early start to avoid long queues and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

How much time does it take to visit St. Mark’s Basilica?

A comprehensive visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, exploring its significant areas and admiring its intricate details, often takes around 1 to 2 hours. However, it largely depends on individual exploration and interest in historical and artistic details.

Can I enter the St. Mark’s Basilica once I exit?

Generally, re-entry using the same ticket isn't allowed. Plan your visit thoughtfully to ensure you've seen all the areas of interest before leaving.

Where is St. Mark’s Basilica located?

St. Mark’s Basilica is located prominently in St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), at the heart of Venice, making it easily accessible and a focal point for tourists. The official address is Basilica di San Marco, San Marco, 328, 30124 Venice.

What is the best way to get to St. Mark’s Basilica?

Multiple transportation options lead to St. Mark’s Basilica, including vaporetto lines, walking, or using public buses that offer easy connectivity throughout Venice. The square is centrally located and can be reached via various routes.

Is St. Mark’s Basilica wheelchair accessible?

The Basilica caters to visitors with reduced mobility through designated entrances equipped with facilities like ramps, elevators, and amenities to facilitate accessibility.

What are some of the accessibility features in place at St. Mark’s Basilica?

St. Mark’s Basilica prioritizes accessibility, offering designated entrances with wheelchair access, ramps, and facilities catering to visitors with mobility issues.

Is there a dress code to be followed at St. Mark’s Basilica?

Visitors are recommended to dress appropriately, avoiding revealing clothing, sleeveless tops, or shorts, out of respect for the religious significance of the Basilica.

Are prams allowed in St. Mark’s Basilica?

Yes, prams or strollers are generally allowed inside St. Mark’s Basilica. However, due to the significant crowds and limited space within, visitors might find it more practical to collapse or fold the stroller during the visit. It's advisable to consider the crowded conditions and the necessity of maneuvering through the Basilica's interiors comfortably.

Is photography permitted inside St. Mark’s Basilica?

Photography is usually prohibited within the Basilica to preserve its centuries-old artworks and delicate architecture.

Can I buy food and drinks at St. Mark’s Basilica?

No, St. Mark's Basilica is a place of worship. There are no dining options available inside the church.

How long does it take to visit St. Mark’s Basilica?

The duration of a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica can vary based on individual preferences and the crowd. On average, a typical visit might last around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. However, factors such as the waiting time in queues, exploring the main areas of the basilica, admiring the artwork, and potential additional time spent at certain sections like the museum or terrace could extend beyond.

Is it worth visiting St. Mark’s Basilica?

Yes, St. Mark’s Basilica is a world-renowned church and an architectural marvel. A visit to this church lets you dive into the history of Venice and take a close look at the treasures from medieval times.