St. Mark’s Basilica
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Articles on St. Mark’s Square & Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is the patron saint of Venice but wasn’t always that way. In the late 9th century AD the remains of St. Mark were stolen from Alexandria and brought to Venice. At that point, St. Mark became the patron saint and everything changed.
You could say that “stealing relics” is a very dark way to start such a marvelous city but this is the way of Venice. It is a wonderful place that I adore and love visiting but is no less guilty of corruption than any other kingdom.
The Doges (dukes) tortured their adversaries and imprisoned them until they got confessions. They also hid the secrets of glassblowing and would not let the glass blowers leave the kingdom in order to keep the price of Venetian glass high. Ultimately, they even helped to sack Constantinople though it was a fellow Christian state.
Learn more about Venice and what you need to know to plan your visit by reading through the articles below.
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Top St Mark’s Basilica & Venice Tours
Venice is such an interesting and unique city that it makes sense to get the inside info from a local guide. Our passionate guides make the experience much more memorable and ensure you see everything you are supposed to. Navigating Venice can be difficult, even with GPS, and a guide will help you get your bearings while adding to your experience. Not to mention, they skip the lines!
St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride
Explore the top two sites in Venice with a local guide. You get skip-the-line entry to both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace to ensure you’re not wasting any time. Plus, you get to take in Venice from an iconic Gondola ride!
Venice Locals Evening Food Tour in Cannaregio
People who say Venice is too touristy have not done enough research. Cannaregio is an amazing break from the crowds and our food tour is the most authentic way to experience it. Taste cicchetti and other Venetian specialties with wine included! You’ll leave with a full stomach!
Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano
The ultimate tour of Venice. You’ll get skip-the-line access to the most important buildings in Venice, plus a gondola ride, and private transportation to the islands of Murano and Burano. It’s a full day of touring that will make for the best memories in Venice ever.
Latest Venice Articles
The Best Murano and Burano Tours to Take in 2024 and Why
No trip to Venice is complete without a trip to the islands of Murano and Burano, with their famous glass and lace-producing factories. One of the best ways to experience these two islands is on a guided tour. In this article, I’ll cover the best Murano and Burano tours to take this year and why.…
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Where to Stay in Italy in 2024
In 2019 some 65 million tourists traveled to Italy. That’s 1.1 tourists for every resident. There is no doubt it can get crowded in the major cities. Cities like Rome and Florence no longer experience a low season, but with twenty regions to explore, there is something for everyone, from the land where lemons grow…
The Best Tours of St. Mark’s Basilica and Why
It’s one thing to stand in front of St. Mark’s Basilica and stare in awe at the intricate details, but it’s another to step inside and see why it’s nicknamed the Church of Gold. Just around the corner, the Doge’s Palace is worth a visit too. However you like to travel, we’ve created some of…
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A Brief History of Venice
We think of Venice for its canals, bridges, and narrow winding alleyways. But did you know this city once ruled a Mediterranean empire? Or that its government inspired the USA’s Founding Fathers? Learn more about Venice’s history from a historian of Italy and the Mediterranean! This article isn’t meant to replace a guided visit -…
10 Great Family-Friendly Hotels & Apartments in Venice in 2023
Heading to Venice with your kids and looking for a great hotel to suit the whole family? You’ve come to the right place! I’ve traveled to Venice with children and I’ve been through it all. Whether you’re looking for more space, a pool, or a quiet location, we’ve got you covered. Here’s my curated list…
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Best Venice Hotels with POOLS in 2023
Looking for a hotel with a great pool for your vacation in Venice? It might not be the first thing you think of, but don’t let the destination fool you. There are some epic pools in Venice! Here are our favorite Venice hotels with pools. The JW Marriott (featured image) really takes the cake! Pro…
The BEST Hotels in Venice in 2023
Finding the right hotel in Venice can really add to your experience in “La Serenissima”. There are hotels with rooftop restaurants, pools, amazing views, and incredible rooms. There are also hotels that are too far from the action or in a strange area. In this guide, we share the absolute best hotels in Venice at every…
Top 19 Things To Do in Venice in 2023
The mesmerizing canal city of Venice is an iconic destination to visit in Italy. From foods to the iconic Rialto Bridge and the famous St. Mark’s Square, there are amazing activities for anyone to enjoy. Find out our favorite things to do in Venice that you just can’t miss. Pro Tip: If you’re planning a…
11 Astounding Facts about St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica has been the main church in Venice for almost 1,000 years. As with anything that’s been around for hundreds of years, there are plenty of interesting and sometimes unbelievable facts about the place. Here are a few astounding facts about St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Pro Tip: Planning what to do on…
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12 Astounding Facts about the Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace was the government center for the Venetian Republic for many centuries. As with anything that has been around for hundreds of years, there are plenty of interesting and sometimes unbelievable facts about the place. Let’s delve into them now. 12 Astounding Facts about the Doge’s Palace Legend has it that the first…
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The Absolutely Ridiculous History of Doge’s Palace in Venice
For some reason, history over-looks certain tyrannical kingdoms. I guess Russia, Cuba, and other infamous nations make for a better bad-guy story. Regardless, Venice of the last millennia deserves it’s place in history as one of the most tyrannical, secretive, and devious kingdoms in history. The History of the Doge’s Palace The Palace has an…
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The 20 Best Restaurants in Venice in 2023
Venice has some of the most amazing regional cuisines in the world. Their recipes are steeped in deeply held traditions that have been passed down the multitude of generations. But which to choose? Get ready for our ultimate list of the best restaurants in Venice. Pro Tip: Planning what to eat on your trip to…
