Tour St. Mark’s Basilica After Dark: Experience it Like Few Have Ever Seen It Before

One of the most iconic churches on the planet, St. Mark’s Basilica—or as it’s known in the local parlance, Basilica Cattedrale Patriarcale di San Marco—is not your typical looking Catholic church. The domes of the structure, for example, give it a more “exotic” and exquisite look. It’s not surprising that the current form of the church, begun in the 11th century, was inspired by a spiritual shrine in Constantinople (or Istanbul, as it has been known since the 15th century). 

Like the masses who flock to Venice, you’ll stumble upon the pigeon-populated St. Mark’s Square and be overcome upon first seeing the basilica with your own eyes. It will most likely be during the day. And there will most likely be a long line to enter the church. 

There is, however, another way to tour St. Mark’s Basilica—a more memorable and dramatic way, in fact: at night. During the evening, the gold-coated Byzantine frescoes and mosaics shine and glisten. The 1,927 priceless gems of the breathtaking Pala d’Oro, the Byzantine altarpiece, sparkle. 

Touring the exterior of St. Mark’s Basilica is amazing, but wait until you see the interior!

The Key to Getting in After Dark

But not just anyone can visit St. Mark’s in the evening. There’s a key to getting in. And to get that key, you have to sign up for the Exclusive Alone in St. Mark’s Basilica After Hours—which is not a bad idea anyway, since you’ll most certainly get a lot more out of the experience with a professional local guide. 

The experience begins outside of the basilica, gawking at the ornate façade, while the guide explains the significance of the images on the front of the church. For example, the four mosaics that tell the intriguing tale of how the body of St. Mark the Evangelist, the patron saint of Venice, was taken from Alexandria, Egypt to Venice. It was a dramatic relic abduction in the ninth century. 

After that, an even better part: the custodian takes out the keys to the basilica, unlocks the majestic doors, and ushers you and a small group inside, seeing and experiencing St. Mark’s like few others (save for the Doges and priests) have before: the interior at night, the gold-plated ceiling illuminated and sparkling in all its glory. 

From the Golden Altarpiece to the breathtaking mosaics, the interior of St. Marks is truly jaw-dropping while illuminated. 

Traveler’s tip: If you just can’t get enough of Venice’s gorgeous churches, check out these Incredible Churches in Venice That Unlock the History of the Floating City.

An Inside Look at Relics and Rubies

If just being able to wander around the illuminated interior of the basilica at night—and with your guide regaling you with entertaining historical anecdotes—was enough, it would be one of the most memorable experiences on your trip to Venice. But in this case, the key-bearing custodian will lead you to places ordinary visitors don’t get to go. For example, the crypt where the bones and relics of St. Mark are kept. 

The Vault Mosaic depicts several figures from traditional biblical stories.

In addition to that, you’ll get an up-close experience with the Pala d’Oro, the gilded altarpiece in St. Marks, said to have been first commissioned in the 10th century. Ten feet long and six feet high, the gold and silver altar contains 1,927 gems: 526 pearls, 13 jaspers, 75 rubies, 330 garnets, 255 sapphires, 320 emeralds, 16 carnelians, 183 amethysts, 175 agates, and 34 topazes. 

The Pala d’Oro Mosaic is located on the high altar of St Mark’s Basilica.

Highlights of Touring St. Mark’s Basilica After Closing Time

• Private After-Hours Access: Tour St. Mark’s Basilica after it has closed to the public. A custodian will unlock the doors exclusively for your small group, ensuring a serene and unhurried experience. All with the guidance of an expert.
• Illuminated Mosaics: Witness the basilica’s 43,000 square feet of gold mosaics illuminated in the tranquil evening light, enhancing their brilliance and detail.
• Explore Hidden Areas: Gain access to sections typically off-limits during regular hours, including:
  • The Crypt: Believed to house the remains of St. Mark, this area also displays watermarks from past floods, offering a glimpse into Venice’s challenges with high tides.
  • Pala d’Oro: Admire this exquisite Byzantine altarpiece adorned with over 1,900 gems, without the usual daytime queues.

The carved details on the columns inside the church are incredible to see in person.

Touring St. Mark’s Basilica FAQs

What are the ways in which you can see St. Mark’s after dark?

There’s only one way to tour St. Mark’s Basilica: with Walks, the only walking-tour company in Venice that has access to St. Mark’s Basilica at night. Find out more about our St. Mark’s Basilica Tour After Hours.

What time does the tour start and how long does it last?

Tours commence at 8:15pm in St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, and they last for an hour and fifteen minutes at 9:30pm—just in time for northern Italian dinner time. 

When is the best time to visit Venice?

You can visit any time of the year, but if you want to explore Venice with fewer crowds, go there in the off season—November through mid-March—or go during shoulder season, mid-March to mid-May or mid-September to the beginning of November. 

Are you ready to step into the magic of Venice like never before? Well, come along as we unlock the doors to one of the world’s most iconic churches — after everyone else has gone home. With the “Alone in St. Mark’s Basilica“ tour, you’ll experience the golden mosaics in quiet splendor, explore hidden crypts, and stand where history has echoed for centuries — all without the crowds.