The regal spires, arches and gold mosaics on the façade are just the beginning of the splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica, first constructed in the 11th century and a supreme example of the Italo-Byzantine style. The interior is even more grand than the exterior, with nearly 10,000 square feet of mosaics, the priceless Pala d’Oro altarpiece and a sea of intricate carvings. On the front balcony, above the portal, four bronze horses (now replicas of the originals), brought from Constantinople during the Crusades, hold court over Piazza San Marco.
Time Out tip: To avoid eternal queues, either spring for a private tour or spend €3 per person for a skip the line ticket, available from April 1 to November 2.
Nearby:
Harry’s Bar: For a Bellini cocktail in the fancy place where it was invented
The Doge’s Palace: For seeing where the rulers of Venice once lived large
Antica Sacrestria: For traditional Italian fare and seafood in a rustic, antique setting