Basilica di San Marco Venice

Saint Mark's Basilica in the Piazza San Marco next to the Doge's Palace is the most famous landmark in Venice. It is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice and since 1807 it has been the seat of the Patriarch of Venice. It is one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture with its opulent design, gilded mosaics, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power. In the 11th century the building became known by the nickname Chiesa d'Oro or Church of Gold. The building and its decoration have been greatly altered and added to over the years, especially in the 14th century, and gradually the exterior brickwork became covered with marble and carvings. In the lower part of the façade the five round-arched doorways are surrounded by polychrome marble columns. Above the central bronze faced wooden door is a 19th century gilded mosaic of the Last Judgment. In the four half moon ‘lunettes’ are mosaics about St Mark relics’ stories - the first on the left is the only one in the façade preserved from the 13th century. In the centre of the balcony the replicas of the Bronze Horses face out onto the piazza. The original 4th century horses have been restored and are inside the Basilica. On the next level, in the lunettes of the ogee arches are four more gilded mosaics renewed in the 17th century. Above these arches statues of Saints and St Mark watch over the city and above the large central window of the façade the Winged Lion of St Mark holds a book quoting “Pax Tibi Marce Evangelista Meus” (Peace to you Mark my evangelist).