I've noticed that it is possible to book a reservation for entering St. Mark's Basilica to avoid the line? Is this necessary? Also, the website mentions that you are only allowed to stay in the church for 10 minutes! Is this enforced?
Thanks!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
You can actually book online directly with the Basilica for a free guided tour. However, we did this two years ago, waited outside the door for our official San Marco Basilica Tour guide who never showed up. So I wouldn't say it's 100% trustworthy. You can book a private tour guide or you can just wait in line. If you choose to wait in line then go early or go late...but not in the middle of the day when the cruise ship folks are at their thickest swarming San Marco like bees. It's really dreadful that time of day.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
A tip I learned from Rick's audio tour of San Marco. Don't get in line, go directly to the checkroom about 100-200 meters away and check your bag/s (which you will have to do anyway if it is larger than a purse, AFTER waiting in line), then go to the front of the line and go right in. They will probably tell you that you can only leave your bag for an hour, but I doubt they will do anything if you are gone longer - and if you visit the museum (highly recommended and the only way to get to the balcony overlooking the Piazza), you will probably be longer. I haven't seen or ever heard of anyone's visit being timed - and can't imagine how they could even do that.
Posted by
Salem, OR
10 posts
Rachel, you might want to consider attending mass at the basilica, which they have daily, usually in the nave. It allows you to sit and take in the whole interior somewhat at your leisure, instead of rushing through, running the tourist gauntlet. If you happen to be Catholic this isn't a bad idea anyway :-) The basilica website gives times (and has other helpful info): http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/