Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Exterior
The brick basilica is clad in patchworks of marbles and reliefs from Syria, Egypt
and Palestine - priceless trophies from Crusades conquests and battles with
Genoa. At the southwestern corner is the Four Tetrarchs, an Egyptian porphyry
statue supposedly representing four emperors of ancient Rome looted from Con-
stantinople.
Top Tips
›
Queues rarely exceed 15-minutes wait. Book 'Skip the Line' access online April to
October (
www.venetoinside.com
; €1 booking fee).
›
Pala d'Oro offers doge's-eye views of the basilica.
›
Dress respectfully (ie knees and shoulders covered) and leave large bags around
the corner at free one-hour baggage storage.
›
Free guided tours explain mosaic theological messages (11am Monday to Saturday,
April to October, by reservation).
Take a Break
Don't settle for sad pizza from nearby kiosks; pasta and
cicheti
at Cavatappi (
Click
here
) are a three-minute walk away. Caffè Lavena (
Click here
)
offers Piazza San
Marco's best deal: €1 for espresso at the bar.
