Special guest deserves special treatments. A full undisturbed inspection of the Byzantine altarpiece, Pala d'Oro made with 1,900 gems and a grand view of the great mosaics that re-tell the story of Saint Mark. As we continue on in St. Mark's Basilica, custodians of the Crypt will unlock its treasure below the altarpiece.
Visit the notorious St. Mark’s Basilica History
Your guide will meet you at St. Mark’s Square. Through thrilling anecdotes and swashbuckling stories, learn about the history of Venice and St. Mark’s Basilica and how it received its precious relics via a 9th-century kidnapping series. But the real treat is when a custodian unlocks the basilica’s doors for you, after closing hours, giving you the VIP treatment and a lifetime experience of St. Mark’s Basilica, where almost nobody else does or ever has ever been able to (aside from the Doge himself). There are no crowds and no hindrances before your vision. Instead, you’re alone with your guide and the custodian. So you can experience the basilica as it should be experienced: in tranquility and peace.
There will be an expert and knowledgeable guide, who is passionate about Venetian art and history, to share with you the secrets and history of St. Mark's Basilica. You’ll hear the tales of how St. Mark’s became St. Mark, a story that pivots on kidnapping and dangerous sea voyage. You’ll learn where the originality of the precious marbles that decorates St. Mark’s.
Admire the Pala D’Oro and the Crypt of St. Mark’s Basilica
The St. Mark's Basilica is the largest and most important church in Venice, as well as the main monument of St. Mark's Square. The present building was built between the 9th and the 11th century on the ruins of an earlier church, only to be finished during the 13th century. Known by the nickname of "Church of gold" for its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power, the St. Mark's Basilica presents an opulent exterior façade, surmounted by the cupolas.
The privilege of skipping the lines to see the spectacular Byzantine altarpiece, Pala D’Oro, which uses more than 1,900 gems, and visit every nooks and hook of the Basilica where others, can’t. The special treasure of St. Mark’s Basilica is the relics of St. Mark held in a Crypt underneath the altarpiece. Given a VIP access to the secret vaults of the Crypt, will reveal the stained walls that were marked by the past floods that have devastated Venice. The crypt used to be flooded every time the high tide hit the city.
Join a Nighttime tour to the St. Mark’s Basilica
The St. Mark's Basilica is a must-see for any trip to Venice, but to discover all the secrets of this incredible monument a guided tour is highly recommended.
Nighttime is the best time to visit as the sun sets, it casts its ray on the 43,000 square feet mosaics, which illustrates St. Marco's tales, as well as the scenes of the Old and New Testament, will lit up, glimmering and sparkling in the dark causing a breathtaking beauty shining inside the Basilica. In its interior, it contains some artistic masterpieces of incommensurable value: the splendid Byzantine mosaics to the Pala d'Oro (the "Golden Cloth"), a true treasure of the Venetian goldsmiths' craft.
Other eXPeriences in Venice
Do not miss anything of Venice! Enjoy the Private Tour of St. Mark's Sestiere in Venice, with Gondola Ride, the Private Glass Making tour: History experience in Murano the Private Tour by Gondola and the Murano, Burano and Torcello Private Tour!
