Patriarchal Basilica of San Marco

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The Basilica of San Marco in Venice is the main church of the city, metropolitan cathedral and seat of the patriarch.

Together with the bell tower and the square of San Marco, it forms the main architectural site in Venice.

It is one of the symbols of Venetian art and Christianity.

Already in the 11th century, the Basilica of San Marco began to be widely nicknamed the Golden Church, by virtue of the treasure of San Marco, the ornate mosaics and the majestic design elements, which made the sacred building the visible symbol of power and wealth acquired by the Serenissima.

Until the fall of the Republic of Venice, it was the palatine church of the Doge's Palace, governed by a territorial prelature from the primicerio of the doge.

It assumed the cathedral title from 1807, when it was moved here from the ancient cathedral of San Pietro di Castello, which remained the official seat.

 

Map: Patriarchal Basilica of San Marco