St Mark's Basilica, Minor basilica in San Marco, Italy.
St Mark's Basilica is a church in the historic center of Venice known for its Byzantine domes and golden mosaics. The interior is supported by hundreds of marble columns from the eastern Mediterranean, while the walls are covered almost entirely with religious imagery.
Construction of the current church began in 1063 after fire destroyed the earlier building, following Byzantine patterns that reflected Venice's trade ties to the East. The interior mosaics were created mostly between the 12th and 13th centuries and completed in several phases by different workshops.
The name refers to the evangelist whose relics were brought to Venice in the 9th century and are still venerated there today. The church serves as a cathedral and draws visitors who stand before the mosaics and watch the filtered light that falls through the tall windows.
Entry requires appropriate clothing covering shoulders and knees, and photography inside is not allowed. Waiting times can be long, especially in the morning, so a visit in the late afternoon is often more rewarding.
The golden altarpiece behind the main altar is set with around 2000 gemstones and is considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine goldwork. Its creation took several centuries and combines elements from different periods and workshops.
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