Our exclusive Alone in St. Mark's Basilica tour begins in the evening when the crowds have gone for the night. A guard unlocks the Basilica doors and you step inside for an intimate visit to one of the world's most unique churches. Enjoy gold mosaics, the incredible *Pala d'Oro*, and the crypt, as you learn the long story of this jaw-dropping space from your local historian guide.
St. Mark's Basilica is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring churches in the world. Its mix of Western and Byzantine art - combined with the epic story of its construction alongside the great maritime empire of Venice - has thrilled and enchanted guests for centuries. Now you can experience these things for yourself; with none of the crowds!
Your VIP St. Mark's Basilica tour starts in St. Mark's Square. This is one of the most beautiful spaces in Europe and the perfect place for an introduction from your expert local tour guide. Don't expect a history lesson though, our guides focus much more on the storytelling aspect and this is one hell of a story. One of shipping, trading and plundering on the high seas, with a most improbable outcome: the creation of an empire that had no use for land.
Next, you'll head over to the church, which is closed and locked for the evening. Not for you, though. A guard unlocks a special door and you walk into one of Europe's greatest churches. The entire nave glows in the light of some 43,000 square feet of golden mosaics. They cover the ceiling and tell stories from the bible, from St. Mark's life, and from the long history of Venice.
Explore the nave and descend into the crypt to see where some of the city's most famous inhabitants are buried (when it isn't flooded). You'll also see the beautiful altar and the famous *Pala d'Oro* altarpiece, which twinkles with nearly 2,000 precious gems. During the day, this beautiful space requires an extra ticket and has long lines, but not during your visit.
This church is a literal treasure box, and when you visit, you'll experience the thrill of seeing it without any of the crowds that pour through it during the day.
Sites Visited:
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark's Crypt
Pala d’Oro Altarpiece
Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior)
Marciana Library (exterior)
Guide: English