Basilica di San Marco
The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, or Saint Mark's Basilica, is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. It is the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture.
Description
The Basilica lies at the eastern end of the San Marco District, adjacent and connected to the Palazzo Ducale. Originally it was the chapel of the Doge, and has only been the city's cathedral since 1807, when it became the seat of the archbishop.
Database Entry
The Basilica di San Marco was first built in 828 to house supposed relics from St. Mark stolen from Alexandria. The present Byzantine-style basilica was constructed in 1063.
Check out the facade. Many of the decorations were brought back from the Crusades or given as gifts from wealthy merchants. The church was considered the Doge's personal chapel; a passageway inside connects to the Palazzo Ducale next door.[1]
Videos
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