About this experience
You will explore the world-famous St. Mark's Square and skip the line to enter the cathedral, which will amaze you with its exquisite mosaics, domes, and sculptures. You will see the unique Golden Altar, the ancient Quadriga, the icon of Madonna Nicopeia, and enjoy magnificent views of Venice from the terrace. I will tell you about the famous art pieces preserved within the ancient walls of the cathedral and reveal their significance in the history of the city and world art.
What to Expect
The True Spirit of Venice on the main city square
The tour will start in the heart of Venice, at St. Mark's Square. You will find yourself in the center of what was once the most beautiful salon in Europe, where the offices and apartments of the powerful procurators of the Republic were located. I will tell the story of the legendary square and show its iconic structures: The Clock Tower, Doge's Palace, Columns of Saint Mark and Saint Theodore, and the bell tower Campanile. You will learn about the historical role of St. Mark's Square in Venice, how it was paved, and other interesting details.
Visit to the cathedral
I will show you the centerpiece of the square and one of the most beautiful churches in the world - the breathtaking St. Mark's Cathedral. We will enter inside through a special 'skip-the-line' pass, which allows licensed Venice guides to take tourists without queuing. You will see a magnificent cycle of golden mosaics and the chapel of the most revered icon in Venice - Madonna Nicopeia. I will talk about the mosaic application technique and reveal their significance. We will go behind the 14th-century altar and see Venice's main treasure - the unique Golden Altar, a masterpiece of Byzantine craftsmen.
Venice from a bird's eye view
Finally, we will ascend to the terrace of St. Mark's Cathedral and see the original bronze sculptures of horses from the 4th century BC - the only Quadriga in the world that miraculously survived from the ancient world to our days. You will look down at St. Mark's Square from above and enjoy one of the best views of Venice in the city.
Organizational Details
Additional Expenses:
- Skip-the-line entrance - 6 euros per person
- Golden Altar - 5 euros per person
- Loggia with 4 horses - 7 euros per person
- You book tickets on the cathedral's official website independently
- Be sure to contact the guide regarding tickets before booking!
- If the guide books tickets for you, the price of the tour will be higher - 110 euros
