St Mark's Basilica: frequently asked questions
Is this the official St Mark's Basilica website?
No. Doge's Palace Visit is an independent visitor guide. The Basilica is managed by the Procuratoria di San Marco and sells its tickets at tickets.basilicasanmarco.it. The visits featured here are sold by our partner Tiqets.
How much does it cost to enter St Mark's Basilica?
On the official ticket office, 10 € for the Basilica, 20 € with the Pala d'Oro or with the Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli, and 30 € for the complete visit. The Campanile is 15 €. The tariff mentions an automatic 20% discount for individuals, so check the final price.
Are the Tiqets visits valid for entry to the Basilica?
The Procuratoria's regulations say that tickets bought from operators it has not accredited are not valid for entry. It publishes only a partial list of accredited operators, so we cannot confirm the status of the suppliers of the Tiqets visits. Read each product's conditions, or buy the official ticket.
How do the official prices compare with the Tiqets visits?
The official ticket is 10 € for the Basilica and 20 € with the Museum and Loggia. The Tiqets products are different: a hosted visit at 17 € that covers the ground floor only, a guided tour at 24 €, and a 45-minute guided visit with the terrace and the Museum at 44 €. Compare what each includes.
Do I need to book a time?
Yes. Admission is only at the booked time, with a tolerance of 15 minutes before or after. Tickets carry a name and you must show an ID.
What should I wear?
Shoulders and knees must be covered. Bare shoulders, very short skirts or shorts and low necklines are not allowed, men must uncover their heads, and you cannot enter barefoot.
What bags can I bring?
Backpacks and bags larger than 40 × 30 × 20 cm are not allowed, and trolleys never. There is a metal detector at the entrance. Food, drink, chewing gum, smoking, drones and tripods are forbidden.
Can I take photos?
Only for strictly personal use, and not with professional devices. Reproductions of any kind are forbidden without the written authorisation of the Procuratoria. Keep your phone silent.
Can I use an audio guide in the Basilica?
The access regulations bar audio guides, including downloadable apps, for tickets sold through the operator channel. We found no stated rule for tickets bought directly, so check the conditions of any product that includes one.
What happens with acqua alta?
The regulations provide alternative routes when water enters the narthex. The official acqua alta page was not readable when we checked, so look at the official site if the tide is high.
Is the Basilica accessible?
The Basilica has an accessibility page, which we could not read, so we cannot confirm the details. Check the official site.
Can I use the same ticket for the Doge's Palace?
No. The Palace has a different manager, ticket office, opening hours and rules. See our Doge's Palace page.