I heard a rumor that the interior St Mark's in Venice is fully illuminated between 1130 and 1230 daily. We've been in there a few years back and are going to Venice in June. Is it just the natural light steaming in better because the sun is high or do they turn on all the lights? More importantly, is it that spectacular to brave the crowds to get in at that time?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Lights are turned on, there are crowds all day.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32935 posts
After you have been inside with the lights on, go upstairs to the museum while the lights are still on and look at the ceiling and down into the mosaics from above.
Well worth the effort.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11376 posts
I agree with Nigel: well worth the effort. Arrive a little early and stand off to the side so you can watch them come on and see the "reveal." We visited two or three times with natural light before seeing it illuminated. Fabulous!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16417 posts
You can pay to pre-book an entry time and skip waiting in line. There is a charge for this but it is well worth it. Link to the official site for booking :
http://www.venetoinside.com/attraction-tickets-in-veneto/tickets/skip-the-line-saint-marks-basilica/
You will get instructions on where to enter---basically the door is to the left of the main door ( the one with the huge line). Note that this does not include entry to the "fee" areas inside, such as the museum/balcony and the Treasury. You just pay for those inside. And yes, the upstairs area is well worth it.
We booked entry at 11:25 and were inside when they turned the lights on. I went upstairs to see this as I have trouble looking upward and this was better for me. The lights were still on when I went down to tour the floor area. There was a small private service going on in a side area, and the beautiful singing. could be heard all around. I have been inside San Marco several times before, but this visit was magical.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1046 posts
I vote for "no lights" - you'll be seeing the magic of the mosaics in their more natural beauty. When the sun is coming through the window the glow is like a furnace! I saw it with the lights on a couple of years ago and frankly thought it was almost too staged. For me Venice is art that you enter and walk around in. It doesn't need stage lighting. All that said, San Marco is still breath taking no mater what time you are there.