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
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As a seasoned traveler, I know that a real world traveler isn’t someone who just shows up. They’re the one who’s ready for anything. Whether it’s lost luggage, flight cancellations, or an unexpected hospital visit, a solid travel insurance policy ensures you’re covered. It’s about making sure your trip goes off without a hitch, no matter what curveballs come your way. In this guide, I’m breaking down the top 5 benefits of my favorite travel insurance plan.
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Venice’s 9 Most Haunted Locations
Venice is renowned as a haunted city, with countless legends and ghostly tales woven into its rich tapestry of history. Our Venice experts have meticulously uncovered the most haunted spots, revealing the chilling stories that linger in the shadows. Venice is the perfect spot for anyone intrigued by the supernatural. Pro Tip: Heading to Venice…
Are Tours of the Florence Duomo Worth It?
Are tours of the Duomo worth it? The short answer is yes. But why? There are many factors, from long queues or shortage of tickets to how much better an experience is with a passionate local guide. Some areas of the Duomo you cannot even visit without a guide! Pro Tip: Planning what to do…
How To Spend Half a Day in Venice
With its gorgeous canals lined by historic architecture, Venice is one of Italy’s most famous destinations for good reason. Venice consists of 118 small islands and over 400 bridges, a veritable maze of a city. As long as you have good plans in place, it’s possible to see the highlights of Venice in only half…
The Ultimate 24-hour Video Guide to Venice’s Hidden Gems
Join Sean from The Roman Guy on a whirlwind day trip from Rome to Venice! While an overnight stay is ideal, Sean’s got your back for a speedy adventure. Picture this: St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace, all within a skip-and-hop radius. Sean’s pro tip? Grab those tickets in advance and…
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Are Tours of the Doge’s Palace Worth It?
Are tours of the Doge’s Palace Worth it? The short answer is yes. But why? If you are flying half way round the world to explore one of the worlds most enigmatic cities, you don’t want to miss a thing. So find out exactly why I think tours of the Doge’s Palace are worth it…
Are Tours of Murano and Burano Worth It?
Are tours of Murano and Burano worth it? The short answer is yes. But why? If you are flying half way round the world to explore one of the worlds most enigmatic cities, you don’t want to miss a thing. So find out exactly why I think tours of Murano and Burano are worth it…
The Best Doge’s Palace Tours To Take in 2025 and Why
There are so many amazing things to do in the Floating City, it may be difficult to choose where to spend your precious time. The Doge’s Palace should be at the top of any list. In this guide, we share the best Doge’s Palace tours to take and why, to help you decide which tour…
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The Best Murano and Burano Tours to Take in 2025 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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Day Trip To Venice: How To Visit and What To See in 2025
Considering a day trip to Venice? While we recommend spending more time in this enchanting city, coming in for the day is better than not seeing it at all. Admittedly, we’ve done it many times. Here is our recommended itinerary for anyone planning to visit Venice in a day! Pro Tip: Heading to Venice for…
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The 10 Best Restaurants Near St. Mark’s Square Venice in 2025
Looking for a great place to eat near St. Mark’s Square? Be warned, this area is riddled with touristy restaurants. However, there are a few hidden gems if you know where to look. We asked our local guides in Venice to share their favorite spots so you can enjoy quality food in this popular area.…
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Where to Stay in Italy in 2025
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…
