I have read Rick's tour of the Basilica and have a question. Rick suggests that any bags be left at the nearby Ateneo S. Basso to eliminate waiting in line. He notes, however, that you have to retrieve the bag in an hour, which also happens to be the approximate length of the tour he outlines. My confusion lies in what that hour includes: just the church or the three museums as well and, can this all really be done in an hour? Is there a cost/fine at Ateneo if you go over the hour?
TIA!
I was just in Venice, and the line to get into the Basilica itself, wrapped around to the Doge's Palace next door. I am sure you cannot do 3 museums in an hour. We spent 2 and half at the Doge's Palace alone. if you just carry purse it wont be a problem, a bookbag and they might make you check it. But a purse shouldnt be.
I was just through the Bascilica with a large messenger bag and was never told I had to check it. They seemed more concerned with shoulders/knees being covered.
I visited St. Mark's Basillica this month, and did check my bag as suggested in Rick's book. I asked about the one hour limit, and if it was enough time to see the church, and they told me that they are flexible about the one hour time. I returned for my backpack after 1 1/2 hours and all was well. I admit I was skeptical about the "check your bag, and go to the front of the line" thing, but it worked perfectly. The guys at the bag check gave me a card and lanyard to wear, I presented myself to the guard at the front door of the church, and he let me walk in ahead of everyone there. It truly was amazing. If you are concerned about the length of time you can leave your bag, just ask them--they were great. You have nothing to lose but a long wait in line.
Thanks for your help. We will definitely go to the bag check place!
Check your bag rather than take the chance. it's really not a hassle. One hour in the church is ample but you will need a lot longer to do the other museums. I may be wrong but I think the Palace has it's own bag check. Try to go to the Basilica around 12.30 or so when they illuminate the gold ceiling. Well worth seeing.
Yes, Helen's right--the Doge's Palace does have its own bag check. It is inside the building though, so checking your bag doesn't get you anywhere faster than anyone else. They requested I check my bag before ascending the Golden Staircase, but it was close by and no trouble at all, and convenient to pick up on the way out.
