St Marks Basilica is amongst the most popular visitor attractions in Venice, and a big part of the attraction is its colourful history. If you choose only to visit one attraction in Venice, St Marks Basilica is maybe the one to choose.
Venice has a strong religious heritage and there are many churches spread around the city, but St Marks Basilica is the best known and most exciting to visit due to its sheer size and quite fantastic
architectural design. To give it its full name, Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, is a Roman Catholic cathedral which has roots leading back to the 9th century when a temporary structure was erected. This initial structure was burnt down during a rebellion in the 10th century before being quickly re-built and eventually transformed into the basis of the impressive structure that is present today.
As the years and centuries went by the work on the basilica continued, which is why different parts of the building differ in design as they were subject to the fashions and ideas of the time. Venice was the returning point for ships traveling the world, many of which would bring back features, such as pillars, which were incorporated into the building.
Amongst the most famous features of St Marks Basilica are the Greek Horses which stand on the outside of the building. These were initially put in place in the 13th century having been returned to Venice as part of loot taken from Constantinople. All in all, the various different features of the Basilica and their intriguing history make for a fascinating visit.
Venice has a strong religious heritage and there are many churches spread around the city, but St Marks Basilica is the best known and most exciting to visit due to its sheer size and quite fantastic
architectural design. To give it its full name, Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, is a Roman Catholic cathedral which has roots leading back to the 9th century when a temporary structure was erected. This initial structure was burnt down during a rebellion in the 10th century before being quickly re-built and eventually transformed into the basis of the impressive structure that is present today.As the years and centuries went by the work on the basilica continued, which is why different parts of the building differ in design as they were subject to the fashions and ideas of the time. Venice was the returning point for ships traveling the world, many of which would bring back features, such as pillars, which were incorporated into the building.
Amongst the most famous features of St Marks Basilica are the Greek Horses which stand on the outside of the building. These were initially put in place in the 13th century having been returned to Venice as part of loot taken from Constantinople. All in all, the various different features of the Basilica and their intriguing history make for a fascinating visit.
