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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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Things to See in St. Mark's Basilica
Top Things to See
The Ridiculous History

Astounding Facts St. Mark's 260 x 315
12 Astounding Facts

Where to Eat Nearby

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Where to Stay in Venice

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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

The excitement of planning a visit to Venice can become a challenge due to crowds and long waits. Our expert guides grant you privileged entrance, allowing you to skip the lines at St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Next, it’s time to relax as your guide will then lead you to the serene waters of the Grand Canal on a classic gondola ride, capturing the essence of this enchanting city in just a few hours.

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Venice in a Day Tour with Gondola Ride

Venice’s narrow streets, winding canals, and countless attractions means it’s easy to lose your way in this floating city. Our Venice In A Day tour takes away the guesswork with skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, ensuring you maximize your time. Discover hidden gems and charming back streets with a passionate local guide who reveals the secrets of Venice.

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Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano

Seeing Venice’s highlights in one day on your own can mean getting lost, waiting in lines, or missing key experiences. With us, you’ll explore Venice’s top attractions effortlessly, starting in St. Mark’s Square with skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Enjoy a scenic boat ride to Murano for glassblowing and Burano for its colorful canals with a fun and engaging guide.

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Latest Venice Articles

How To Attend The 2025 Venice Carnival

Every year, for a few weeks in late winter, Venice transforms into a world of masked extravagance. Streets overflow with lavishly costumed visitors, decorated gondolas glide through canals, and centuries-old traditions come out to play. Toss in a few million visitors, some confetti rockets, and lots of parades, and you’ve got one of the most insane celebrations in the world. Want in? Here’s everything you need to know about attending the 2025 Venice Carnival.

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