Byzantine Venice

Venice and the Eastern Roman Empire

PART ONE

Visit the landmarks and historical sites of the city centre (exteriors only)
This walking tour features all the most significant monuments that stand in testimony to the glorious past of Venice. Discover the thousand-year long history of the Serenissima, and learn how this island city became a cross-roads of civilizations and the Queen of the Seas.

HIGHLIGHTS
• St. Mark’s Square, description of the history of the main monuments: St. Mark’s Basilica, The Doge’s Palace, the Campanile, the Clock Tower, the Procuratie.
• S. Maria Formosa, with its lively “Campo”, one of the most popular squares in Venice.
• The Church and Campo of SS. Giovanni e Paolo – the “Pantheon” of Venice, the great charitable Scuola and the heroic deeds of the famed Captains of fortune
• Marco Polo’s house and Teatro Malibran – where ancient and recent history meet in this wonderful corner of Venice
• Back to St. Mark’s through the famous Mercerie, once the commercial lifeline between Rialto and St. Mark’s and today Venice’s main shopping district

PART TWO

Visit to the interior of the St. Mark’s Basilica and its priceless treasures
The greatness of Venice has always been reflected in the richness of St. Mark’s Basilica, the perfect synthesis of Venetian art and a unique blend of Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic elements. Five Oriental-looking domes crown the shadowy, mysterious interior gleaming with golden mosaics, coloured marbles, precious stones and pearls, and guarded by the four gilded bronze horses that stand proudly atop the central entrance. The glittering mosaics of the interior tell the story of St. Mark and episodes from the Bible. Its most famous treasure stands behind the altar in the sanctuary – the Pala d’Oro, a golden altar screen encrusted with jewels.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enter St. Mark’s Basilica through the St. Peter’s Door – no waiting lines!
• Visit the Basilica interior and hear a detailed description of the gold mosaics
• Admire the gem-encrusted Pala d’Oro

DURATION
approx. 2.5 hours – 1 hour break between the two tours

GUIDED TOUR
Morning

PRICE
From 1st April 2015 till 31st March 2016
Adults: 41.00 € per person
Children under 6: free (reservation under Infant)

From 1st April 2016 till 31st October 2016
Adults: 42.00 € per person
Children under 6: free (reservation under Infant)

INCLUDED
Entrance fee to the Basilica for immediate access. No waiting lines!
Seated explanation inside BASILICA