as a preparation: please buy the fast-track ticket to the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. a lot of people queued up at both of them early for a door-to-door ticket in the morning but to no avail – they eventually got turned away as the day tickets sold out very quickly. don’t risk that disappointment! with the fast-track ticket you get guaranteed access to the basilica and the palace 100%!
Byzantine column tucked away in the secret portico – this isn’t the original straight from the Byzantine rule of Venice, but the Byzantine art is very well represented here.
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
a 15th-century masterpiece representing Venetian-Byzantine style in its balustrade, columns and staircases. a day ticket is available so it’s suitable for anybody who wants to spontaneously buy the entry.
St Mark’s Basilica
actually only a short walk from Scala Contarini – just follow the signage all the way to San Marco. it’s the iconic architecture without which you shouldn’t leave Venice.
the layout and the interior were constructed based on the now-non-existent Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople – find some resemblance to its big sister, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. you’ll recognize those in the golden mosaics and the altars.
Doge’s Palace
St Mark’s Basilica has another must-visit right next to it, the Doge’s Palace. it originated from a Byzantine fortress which was repurposed into the Doge’s residence and the home of the assembly halls.
optional day trip
don’t miss out on visits to the stunning yet hidden gem Byzantine churches on Murano and Torcello. here the vaporetto line 12 is your best friend.
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