THE 10 WONDERS

1 - Saint Mark's Basilica

The heart of Venice is the Basilica of Saint Mark, rich in golden glitterings and references to the East, a true symbol of the greatness of the Doges and of the Republic of Venice. The first church was built in 828 CE to house the relics of Saint Mark carried off from Alexandria in Egypt. The current building dates back to the year 1000 CE. Throughout the following centuries it was enriched with precious elements, many of which were part of the booty that came with the sack of Constantinople which took place during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The four horses in silvered and gilded bronze are the most famous of works looted from Constantinople.

The interior leaves you speechless with the glitter of the gold leaf mosaics created by Greek and Venetian artisans from the end of the 11th century. The basilica contains works of immense value, including the golden altarpiece placed on the high altar that represents the treasure of San Marco. This marvellous structure was a sort of ongoing construction site for centuries, so much so that there are Romanesque, Byzantine and Gothic stylistic elements.

Info: www.comune.venezia.it