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seeing st. mark's "floodlit"?

Posted by (Toms River, NJ, USA) on

I saw in one of my posts below that it was recommended to see the st. mark's mosaics "floodlit" and that this occurs between 11:30-12:30. can someone explain what this is?

also, so my plan to do the secret itineraries tour at 11:30 is not a good one then? the only other tour available that day is the 10:45. will that work if i want to see the basilica floodlit? i am not sure how long the tour will take and then how long to get into st. mark's? does anyone have any recommendation as to how i can make it work with those being the only two SI Tours available that day? the 9:55 only has one spot left and there are two of us. or will we have to go into st. mark's the day before to make this work?

thanks!

Posted by
15788 posts

The secret itineraries tour is estimated to be about an hour and 15 minutes. Even taking the 10.45 tour, ending at noon, you might not get into St Mark's in time, esp. if you have to check your bags [you will be required to check any backpacks or large handbags or similar] and/or if there is a long line [very common]. And it is possible that you will want to spend more time enjoying the rest of the Palace.

The mosaics are absolutely brilliant when floodlit, and pretty dull otherwise (at least it seems that way when the lights go off). The mosaics cover almost all of the walls and ceilings. I think it is worth it to go on another day. Even though the basilica and the palace are right next to each other, they are central, so it isn't difficult or particularly time-consuming to make two trips to "the piazza."

OTOH, if you visit the basilica museum (recommended), you will get to see some of the mosaics up close, even if you miss the floodlit time.

If you have to choose, I can't say which is "better" because I haven't taken the secret itineraries tour - yet.

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