Since opening on the 8 October 1094, St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) has become a symbol of Venice and a masterpiece of Venetian architecture and art.
Here you can find a treasure trove of mosaics (that’s why it’s also called the “the Golden Church”), marbles and sculptures. It encapsulates millennia of Venetian history. The religious heart of the city is one of the most popular attractions to visit.
With thousands of new visitors arriving to its doors each and every day, choosing the right time to visit it is important. Here’s a complete guide to the Basilica’s opening hours, along with helpful tips for a smart visit and making the most of your visit.
Opening Hours of St. Mark’s Basilica
The first step is understanding St. Mark’s Basilica’s opening hours so you can plan your visit accordingly. The basilica is open to visitors all year long but based on day of the week, festivities, and religious events, opening times can vary.
St. Mark’s Basilica is typically open from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm on weekdays (last admission 4.45pm), with slightly shorter hours on Sundays and Solemnities of precept (when it generally opens to visitors from 2:00 pm).
🎫 My first recommendation is that you book the skip the line ticket to the Basilica with Terrace + Pala D’Oro Access so you can avoid queues at the basilica entrance.
Here’s a summary of the basilica opening times:
| Sight | Days | Opening times |
| St Mark’s Basilica | Monday to Saturday Sunday and Festivities | 9.30am-5.15pm (last entrance 4.45pm) 2pm-5.15pm (last entrance 4.45pm) |
| Pala d’Oro | Monday to Saturday Sunday and Festivities | 9.30am-5.15pm (last entrance 4.45pm) 2pm-5.15pm (last entrance 4.45pm) |
| Museum + Loggia dei Cavalli | Monday to Sunday | 9.30am-5.15pm (last entrance 4.45pm) |
| St. Mark’s Campanile | Every day | From 16th of March to 11th of November: 9.30am-9.15pm (last entrance 8.45pm)* From 12th of November to 15th of March: 9.30am-7.15pm (last entrance 6.45pm)* |
*In adverse weather conditions (fog, strong wind, intense cold) the bell tower will remain closed.
Opening times may vary during solemnities of precept. This is so there is enough time in the morning to celebrate the Mass.
In Italy, the fixed solemnities of precept are:
- Immaculate Conception (December 8)
- Christmas (December 25)
- Mary, Mother of God (January 1) – celebrated differently in the Ambrosian Rite
- Epiphany (January 6)
- St. Joseph (March 19)
- Saints Peter and Paul (June 29)
- Assumption of Mary (August 15)
- All Saints (November 1)
The Sections of the Monumental Complex of the St. Mark’s Basilica
There’s a lot to explore within the monumental complex of the St. Mark’s Basilica. In the previous section I have already mentioned their opening times.
Below, I’ll explain what each section is about, tickets prices and where to buy tickets and tours.
- St. Mark’s Basilica: It’s the most important religious site of the city of Venice. The construction of the Basilica of San Marco ended in the year 832 to house the body of the St. Mark was brought from Alexandria. St. Mark is also the protector of the city. The church is a mix of Romanesque, Byzantine and Gothic architectural styles. To not miss: the 8000 hectares of golden mosaics covering its ceilings, domes and chapels. If you wish to skip the line for a small additional charge, then you should purchase this skip the line ticket to the Basilica. You can access the Basilica for free to join the Mass, prayers or other services from Porta dei Leoncini.
- Museum of St. Mark’s Basilica: Located on the upper level, the museum houses important objects that belong to the church, from precious carpets to vestments, mosaics and manuscripts.
- Pala d’Oro and Treasury: The Pala d’Oro that literally means ‘Golden Altarpiece’ is the most precious object conserved inside the basilica. It’s made with 1,300 pearls, 300 emeralds, 300 sapphires, 400 garnets, 100 amethysts, rubies and topazes. It’s the most precious Byzantine altarpiece that exists. You can purchase the skip the line ticket to visit Basilica and Pala d’Oro and discover the beauty of this outstanding artwork!
- Bell Tower (Campanile): The former lighthouse, built in the 12th century and turned into a bell tower. It’s around 99 metres high! From the Campanile you can enjoy a spectacular bird eye view of the city and the Venetian lagoon. I recommend purchasing the St. Mark’s Campanile skip the line ticket to avoid waiting in queues to get on top.
St. Mark’s Basilica Admission Fees & Tickets
See below a summary of admission fees to visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the different sections of the complex:
| Sections | Skip the line ticket price (at Porta San Pietro) | Standard entrance ticket price (at Porta San Clemente and at the internal ticket offices) |
| St Mark’s Basilica | 6 euros | 3 euros |
| St Mark’s Basilica and Pala d’Oro | 12 euros | 5 euros |
| St Mark’s Basilica and Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli | 15 euros | 7 euros |
| Basilica complete – full ticket (St Mark’s Basilica, Pala d’Oro, Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli) | 20 euros | – |
| St Mark’s Campanile | 12 euros | 10 euros |
Admission is free for children (under 6) and disabled people with their carer. The best way to visit the Basilica and other sections of the complex is by joining a guided tour.
By joining one of these popular guided tours, you’ll learn everything you should know about this incredible church, and ask your guide as many questions as you like!
- Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour
- St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Visit & Terrace Access
- St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Tour with Ticket
- St Mark’s Basilica, Doge Palace, & Bell Tower Option
My tips to have the best Experience
It is no secret that St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most popular Venice tourist attractions, so it’s no surprise that the basilica can get very crowded, especially during the peak tourist season (which runs from late spring to early autumn).
Here are some tips to help you have a smooth and enjoyable experience:
Best times to visit St. Mark’s Basilica
The best time to visit is typically early in the morning, right when the basilica opens, or late in the afternoon, close to its closing time. These times of the day are quieter.
Choosing to visit it during weekdays instead of weekends also is a good strategy to avoid larger crowds. Local festivities and events can draw more visitors. The winter months (November to February) tend to be quieter.
Know how long to spend visiting St. Mark’s Basilica
Most visitors spend around 1 hour and a half – 2 hours. The time you’ll spend visiting the church is also subject to the complex sections you have planned to visit.
If you decide to join a guided tour like this one, they usually last 1 hour.
Best hotels with St Mark’s Square view
My top hotel picks with St. Mark’s Basilica view:
- Canaletto Luxury Suites – San Marco Luxury: if you’re dreaming of waking up in the morning and admire St. Mark’s Basilica while sipping your coffee from the hotel’s balcony, then this is the place to be!
- Best Windows: in name and in fact – from the windows of this luxury guest house you can observe people in the square and admire from a close perspective details of the basilica. Also, prices are quite affordable too!
- 286 Piazza San Marco: with a modern sleek style with an incredible view on the basilica, it’s the perfect place to relax but in the middle of the action!
Pre-book your visit
Booking in advance your visit to the Basilica and Campanile can give you peace of mind. In the most touristy time of the year like late spring, summer and early autumn, queues can be quite long.
Get a skip the line ticket and save precious time or hire a private guide to take you around and explain all the finest details.
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Things to Know Before Your Visit and Etiquette
A few etiquette guidelines to visit St. Mark’s Basilica:
- Religious Services: The basilica is a place of worship and as such holds Masses every Sunday and on the day of some Church solemnities. On these occasions, the Basilica will open after 2pm. If you plan to attend a service, it’s free and the entrance is from Porta dei Fiori (Piazzetta dei Leoncini – Lato Nord).
- Dress Code: Be sure to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect, and avoid wearing sleeveless or see-through tops or hats inside.
- Bag and Photography Policies: Large bags are generally not allowed inside, though you can leave them at the closeby storage facility.
- Photographs and video recordings are not permitted, except for strictly private and non-professional use.
- Loud explanations are not permitted while the use of earphones is permitted.
Practical Tips for Visitors
See these tips to make your visit to St. Mark’s Basilica as smooth as possible:
- Booking Tickets in Advance: Some parts of the basilica, such as the museum and Pala d’Oro, require a separate ticket. If you’re visiting during high season or busy times of the day, consider booking admission tickets for both in advance.
- Visit the Basilica as Soon as it Opens: Arriving 15–20 minutes before the basilica opens can give you the chance to explore the basilica with zero or little crowds.
- Arrive on Time! There’s only a guaranteed margin of 5 minutes to enter the church.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Venice occasionally experiences “acqua alta” (high tide), which can affect access to the basilica. Walkways are usually installed to allow people to move around the square and outside the church. Keep an eye on weather forecasts, and consider bringing waterproof footwear.
Visiting St. Mark’s Basilica
A visit to St. Mark’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience.
By knowing the opening times, understanding the different sections, and planning your visit ahead of time to avoid the busiest periods, you’ll have a more enjoyable experience here.
While you’re still here, don’t forget to check my guide to visiting St. Mark’s Square and find out what other popular attractions you can find around this area!
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