Political, religious and cultural heart of Venice, St. Mark’s Square was once described as “the world’s finest drawing room”.

It is surrounded by some of the most important buildings of Venetian architecture history. St. Mark’s Basilica, also known as the golden basilica for its glass mosaics covered in gold leaf, was the Doge’s private chapel.

It is an unusual combination of Eastern-Christian art and decorations of Muslim, Byzantine and gothic origins.

The Doge’s Palace, seat of the Republic’s ancient governments, was built between 1300 and 1400 in flamboyant gothic style, while the decorations of the institutional rooms dates from the end of 1500 and celebrate the might of Venice, whose glory was allegorically depicted by Veronese on the ceiling of the Sala del Maggior Consiglio

The tour includes: Doge’s Palace (interior), Bridge of Sights, St. Mark’s Basilica (interior), Campanile (exterior), Clock Tower (exterior), Marciana Library(exterior). The tour lasts 3 hours with the visit of the Pala d’Ora inside the Basilica.

Admission to the Doge’s Palace: €3 (6-14 yrs), €6.50 up to 18 and over 65 yrs, €12 adults; Admission to the Pala d’Oro €2.00. Visits to the Basilica are not allowed on Sunday mornings.