Hi all,
I tried to reserve tickets for St. Mark's today for my upcoming short visit (3/28 and 3/29 are the only full days). Unfortunately, St. Mark's appears to be booked out solid. Do I stand any chance of getting in if I arrive outside before opening time, or is there anything else I can do to possibly get in?
Thanks,
Coleman
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14827 posts
In looking at the website, they've not updated for this year's dates but 3/28 is Holy THursday and 3/29 is Good Friday. It looks like they have several services each of those days so perhaps the number of visitors is reduced.
Holy Thursday
9.30am The Chrism Mass
6pm Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Good Friday
8.30am Office of Readings and Morning Prayer
3pm Stations of the Cross
6pm The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7168 posts
I'm not sure, I didn't see anything on the website, but is it possible that they aren't selling tickets because of the Easter season services (those dates are Holy Thursday and Good Friday)? Just a thought.
ETA: Pam and I had the same idea. I'm just a slow typist.
Also, if that is the case you can still go in to the main church for the services - which is always interesting. But it's possible you can't get to the museum, etc.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Oh that makes entirely too much sense. Thank you both. Holy Week is what's causing this.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14827 posts
@Nancy...yes, that is actually the information I was actually looking for when I realized it was Holy Week. I don't see that they are listed as closed but that would not surprise me.
@coleman.drake - there may be some other activities that are especially for Eastertide so you might do some searches for that! A few years ago I was in Colmar around Easter and they had an adorable Easter/Spring Market set up using the chalets they use for the Christmas Market. Very cute and unexpected!
Posted by
Washington DC
28249 posts
I went to Venice in September 2022 (when travel was definitely picking up, but Holy Week this year could well be busier) and failed to make an online reservation for San Marco. I arrived at some point after opening time (it could have been around 10:30) to see a discouragingly long line. I pulled out my phone to see whether I could get a reservation for a time later in the day: Nope. So I hopped into the line. The experienced folks behind me said not to worry, that the line moves fast. That proved to be true. I cleared the line in about 30 minutes. If the church is actually closed for part or all of a day, that's a different story, but under normal conditions I'm confident you'd get in within a reasonable time if you lined up before opening time. Perhaps there will be some information online about Holy Week access before you arrive in Venice so you can figure out the best approach.
Posted by
314 posts
If you are desperate to get in to see Saint Marks Comma here's a tip: Saint Mark's go around to the left and there is an entrance for Church Services only. It would probably be frowned upon to take pictures. But it is an extraordinary view of the mosaics from that chapel if that is the only way you're going to be able to see it. Everyone, everywhere, always goes to an important site in the a.m. but if you are in that same area in the p.m. sort of right before they close you'll find the area is generally deserted so you might consider that option as well.