Venice: Saint Marks Basilica, Crypt and Burial Places

Venice’s sacred sites offer a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich ecclesiastical heritage. From the dazzling golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica to the little-known crypt of San Zaccaria Church, this guided tour promises an immersive experience. Visitors can explore the impressive Doge tombs at the Church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo, gaining insight into the city’s historical importance. With breathtaking views and expert commentary, this journey through Venice’s sacred spaces promises to enchant and enlighten. What secrets might these hallowed halls hold, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• The guided tour includes a visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica, known for its 8,000 square meters of golden mosaics.
• Visitors can skip the line to directly access the iconic basilica.
• The tour also features the San Zaccaria Church, which has one of the three accessible crypts in Venice.
• The Church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo, known as the "Venetian Pantheon," houses tombs of several Venetian Doges.
• The tour provides insights into Venice’s rich ecclesiastical heritage and the architectural and artistic significance of the featured churches.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Booking this guided tour of Venice’s landmark churches allows visitors to skip the lines and explore the stunning interiors of Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Crypt of San Zaccaria, and the Church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo.

Priced from €1,489 per person, the 2.5-hour tour is available in English and Spanish. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers excellent flexibility.

However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Comfortable shoes are a must, and certain attire, such as shorts and sleeveless shirts, isn’t permitted.

Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and impressive views, ensuring a great overall experience.

Churches Featured

The tour features visits to three prominent churches in Venice. San Zaccaria Church is one of only three churches in the city with a crypt, and the only one visitors can explore. The Church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo, known as the Venetian Pantheon, houses impressive artworks and Doge tombs. Saint Mark’s Basilica, the crown jewel, boasts 8,000 square meters of stunning golden mosaics and is accessed via a skip-the-line entrance.

Church	Notable Features
San Zaccaria	Only visitable crypt in Venice
Church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo	Venetian Pantheon, artworks by Veronese, Tiepolo, Bellini
Saint Mark’s Basilica	8,000 sq. m. of golden mosaics, skip-the-line entry

San Zaccaria Church

Often considered one of Venice’s architectural gems, San Zaccaria Church stands out for being one of only three churches in the city with a crypt. This visitable crypt is the church’s most notable feature, offering visitors a glimpse into Venice’s rich history.

The church itself is also impressive, with its Renaissance facade and interior adorned with artworks by renowned painters.

While not as large or famous as some of Venice’s other churches, San Zaccaria nonetheless holds a special place in the city’s religious and cultural heritage.

It’s a must-visit for those interested in exploring the unique architectural and historical aspects of Venice’s ecclesiastical landmarks.

Church of Ss. Giovanni E Paolo

One of Venice’s largest and most famous churches, the Church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo is known as the "Venetian Pantheon" for housing the tombs of several Venetian Doges.

This impressive Gothic structure features masterpieces by renowned artists like Veronese, Tiepolo, and Bellini.

The church’s vast interior and ornate decoration make it a must-see destination for visitors exploring Venice’s rich ecclesiastical heritage.

As part of the tour, guests can admire the church’s architectural splendor and learn about its historical significance as a burial place for the city’s former rulers.

With its striking visual appeal and cultural importance, the Church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo offers an immersive experience for those seeking to explore Venice’s storied past.

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Saint Mark’s Basilica

With its magnificent golden mosaics spanning over 8,000 square meters, Saint Mark’s Basilica stands as a crown jewel of Venetian architecture.

This iconic church features a separate entrance that allows visitors to skip the long queues. Inside, travelers can marvel at the intricate Byzantine-style designs and the impressive collection of religious artifacts.

The tour includes tickets to access the basilica, providing an in-depth exploration of this architectural masterpiece.

Visitors are advised to dress appropriately, avoiding shorts, sleeveless shirts, and oversize luggage, to ensure a seamless experience.

Whether admiring the stunning mosaics or delving into the rich history, Saint Mark’s Basilica promises an unforgettable highlight of any Venice adventure.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes a guided exploration of the remarkable Saint Mark’s Basilica, with a skip-the-line ticket that allows direct access to this iconic Venetian landmark.

Visitors will also receive tickets to two other significant churches: the San Zaccaria Church, known for its crypt, and the Church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo, a grand structure housing impressive artworks.

The guided component ensures participants gain valuable insights into the history and significance of these religious sites.

With a duration of 2.5 hours and available in both English and Spanish, this comprehensive tour offers an immersive look at Venice’s renowned ecclesiastical architecture and heritage.

Participant Information

Participants meet at the check-in inside the shop with the yellow sign in front of San Zaccaria Church. This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking.

Plus, certain attire isn’t allowed, including shorts, oversize luggage, backpacks, and sleeveless shirts.

• This ensures the safety and comfort of all participants, allowing them to fully enjoy the tour.

• The dress code reflects the reverence and respect expected in the sacred spaces visited.

• Proper footwear enables participants to navigate the historic sites with ease and stamina.

• The logistics around meeting point and prohibited items help create a smooth and organized experience.

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive reviews have been the hallmark of this Saint Mark’s Basilica tour, with customers unanimously rating it 5 out of 5 stars based on 4 reviews.

Reviewers praise the tour’s knowledgeable guides, who provide impressive insights into the history and significance of the featured churches. Customers highlight the breathtaking views and the overall exceptional experience the tour offers.

The ability to skip the line at Saint Mark’s Basilica is also a notable highlight, allowing visitors to make the most of their time.

With the tour’s convenient meeting point, comfortable attire requirements, and comprehensive inclusions, it’s clear why this Venice experience has received such enthusiastic feedback from satisfied participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in This Tour?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, but it doesn’t explicitly state whether children can participate. It’s best to contact the tour operator for guidance on child-friendly policies.

What Is the Attire Policy for the Churches?

The tour has an attire policy for the churches. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and oversize luggage are not allowed. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and avoid clothing that doesn’t cover shoulders and knees to respect the sacred nature of the sites.

Is There a Dress Code for Entering the Basilica?

There is a dress code for entering Saint Mark’s Basilica. Visitors can’t wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, or oversize luggage. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Church?

The tour spends approximately 45 minutes at each of the three featured churches: San Zaccaria Church, Church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo, and Saint Mark’s Basilica. This allows visitors to fully explore the highlights and history of these iconic Venetian landmarks.

Are There Any Audio Guides Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide audio guides. However, it offers a guided tour with knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about each church visited, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for participants.

Recap

The guided tour of Venice’s iconic landmarks offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich ecclesiastical heritage. Visitors can enjoy the awe-inspiring golden mosaics and Byzantine architecture of Saint Mark’s Basilica, venture into the crypt of San Zaccaria Church, and marvel at the significant Doge tombs within the Church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo. This immersive journey provides unparalleled insights into Venice’s sacred sites and their historical and cultural significance.

You can check if your dates are available here: