A couple of years ago we attended Sunday afternoon Mass at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, and we were able to spend some time before and after Mass to view the church. We plan to attend Sunday morning Mass at the Basilica di San Marco in Venice this July, and ask if we will be able to view the church before or after Mass? If it is uncertain, we can make time to view the church on a day prior. Thank you.
Posted by
Novato, CA, United States
172 posts
We were in Venice in 2016, the holy year declared by the pope, during which the Holy doors were opened at St. Peter's. He knew most people would not be able to make the journey to Rome so he established Holy Doors all over the world. Santa Maria Maggiore was one such church. The Basilica di San Marco was another. We were able to enter through the holy doors, which were on the front left hand side of the Basilica. We celebrated mass on a smaller side altar. We were able to enter others such as the Basilica in Siena by entering side doors. Not speaking Italian we folded our hands and indicated that we were pilgrims and that we were there to worship. We were greeted enthusiastically. In Siena we happened upon a mass being celebrated by the Bishop, with procession and full choir. Later, after mass, we were able to see the two Bernini stautes that had been closed to the public. I would suggest that if the main doors are closed, move around to the side and let security or other officials know that you are there to worship. most likely the mass will not be on the main altar, but there's a good chance you can see the rest of the basilica before it opens to the public. Another suggestion would be to see if there is a Saturday evening mass, that could provide another opportunity to see the Basilica under circumstances for which the basilica was built. What a marvelous trip, enjoy and give thanks, Hank, Novato, Ca.
Posted by
OP
New Orleans
63 posts
Thank your for your reply, and expression of faith.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1046 posts
Every year I attend Mass at San Marco - usually at 10:30 am because their choir sings and a bishop presides. it is always beautiful and moving. Use this connection to see their web site - it will also show you where to enter for Mass (usually only a few minutes before it begins).http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/calendario-liturgico/orari-messe/?lang=en
They will try to usher you out the same way BUT here's a hint. As you exit, directly in front of you is a concert hall. Inside they have a baggage holding room for bags too big to bring into the Basilica. It's free. They'll tell you it's only for an hour but they don't have any way of checking. Take the tag they give you and walk into the Basilica through the exit (where the gift shop is) and enjoy your visit!
Posted by
OP
New Orleans
63 posts
Thank you. Unfortunately, we have a 2:55 pm flight from Venice home on Sunday, so we either need to attend an early Mass at 8:00 or 9:00, or a Vigil Mass on the preceding Saturday evening. However, the St. Marco's website is confusing to me, in that it appears the 6:45 pm is Vespers only. My back-up plan then is to find a Saturday Vigil Mass wherever we can, and then take a tour of the Basilica on another day.