Venezia | The Church of Gold

The Basilica di San Marco (Saint Mark’s Basilica) was originally ordered to be constructed in 828 when Venetian merchants allegedly stole relics of Mark the Evangelist and brought them to Venice. After the Doge (commonly translated to Duke) ordered the construction and it was completed, the church became a personal chapel to the Doge. It was probably a matter of convenience since the Doge’s palace is literally attached to the basilica.

In 976, the Doge at the time, Pietro IV Candiano, was forced into the basilica by a rebelling mob. They locked him in it and set it aflame, executing him. The basilica was restored in 978. That wasn’t the only time that this Italo-Byzantine church was restored, though. In 1106, it was the victim to another fire. This one destroyed a lot of the exterior mosaics.

Before the fire, however, the new design of the basilica was constructed. The shape has mostly been the same as long as it has been in existence, but the decoration has definitely changed. These changes happened between 1063 and 1117, but the exact dates are indefinite.

San Marco was used as a personal chapel for the line of Doges until around the 13th century when it became more of a public facility and housed many public functions and celebrations. In 1807, Napoleon Bonaparte, the self-crowned King of Italy, declared that the responsibility of the basilica change from the nobility to the Patriarch of Venice, who was the local bishop.

Much like the Duomo in Milano, San Marco is the home to a great deal of ornate decoration on the exterior of the basilica. There are statues, sculptures, spires, and golden mosaics. Notice the Lion of St. Mark and the depictions of the Patron Saint that appear in many places on the exterior.

The basilica is often referred to as the “Chiesa d’Oro” or the Church of Gold. It’s not hard to see why it carries this name. The true marvel of gold, however, is inside the basilica. True to the over-the-top nature of financial rivalry that sets the tone for Italian churches, San Marco is decorated from ceiling to floor with golden mosaics. Even the eaves have gold in them.

(The front facade of the Basilica from left to right)

Unfortunately, since the basilica does not allow photography inside its glorious doors, I don’t have any interior pictures to show you. They are out there in the world, though; and they are worth taking a look.

Venice at night was so magical. How could I resist the temptation of photographing this glorious golden Goliath of a basilica that is so perfectly lit in the evening hours?

Scaffolding or not, this church is a beauty that is worth the seasickness I got to be able to see it. For more information on the Basilica di San Marco, please visit their website here. There are pictures of the interior that will seriously make your jaw drop!