Timing visit to St. Mark's Basillica on a Sunday

The Basilica is open for visits in the afternoon after the last morning Mass. I'm guessing but I'm thinking 2:00 pm. It should be easy to check. The lights will be off but think of it this way: that's how the mosaics were enjoyed for centuries! The sunlight really does make them glow in a way light bulbs never can. The second floor is open by paid admission only (at the top of the rather steep stairs). It's worth it. That also gives you access to the museum where are very many historical items, in-your-face closeness to at the mosaics, and some amazing views of the Basilica from above.

If you have the time, I think the best way to see this is to go to the Mass.

No waiting in line, you can sit and gauk at your leisure during the service (as I did) and then you can take photos and 'tour' after the service and before the crowds.

I did the same to visit the cathedral in Florence.

Yes, lights were turned back off shortly after mass. After mass, we looked around for a bit, then went upstairs (small fee for upstairs), out on to the balcony-ish roof area that overlooks the square (fabulous view). When we came back downstairs, I was pretty shocked at just how dark the Basilica was, thankful we had seen it lighted up during mass.

We no longer practice the religion, and we have been known to say that it took trips to Italy to have us attend mass again.....both in Venice and in Rome. Mass is said in Latin ( at least it sounded that way to me). And people were also arriving a bit late for mass, but I have no idea if they stop letting people in at a certain point during mass or not.

But, good way to visit and avoid long lines otherwise.

Oh, and to answer your question about viewing from the second floor....I do recall looking down into the area in which mass is said, but I do not recall seeing a great deal (could have been distracted with what we were seeing on the second floor), and it could be because when we made our way to where we could look down from the second floor (possibly) the lights had already been turned off.
I have no idea if people are allowed in the second floor museum area during masses. I do not recall noticing any people up there during mass, but I was not really looking for people up there at that time. Good question.

Thanks Maggie
we have been there and yes it was dark! Can I ask if you went to Mass in am or pm? There is a 6:45 pm Mass I think we can get to- we are only in Venice 2 days this trip. Museum upstairs close at 5 so guess that would be out for us this time.
We go to Mass now and then, here and in Europe

Thanks very much for your replies and info! Am now thinking that attending mass may be a possibility. We’re not religious, but I guess we wouldn’t be the only ones there primarily to gawk at the beautiful art & architecture! And great to know that the museum is another option.

But aren't there lines to get into the Sunday masses, maybe depending on time (9 am v. Noon)? How much time would need to be budgeted for a mass - 45 mins?

Thx!

Maybe someone here can answer this since several of you have been up to the museum. I read you can't take photos in the basilica but I seem to see lots of traveler's photos from a high vantage point. Is there an overlook area from the museum level that looks into the basilica from which photos are allowed?

After being in Venice quite a few times we finally went up to the museum. Yes, you can take pictures there and you can see down into the church. It is an amazing view of the square from outside. They have the original horses and an interesting exhibition about the mosaics in the church.

There will be a line for Sunday Mass - it forms in the little piazza to the left (as you are looking at the Basilica). I go every year (middle of July) for the High Mass to enhance my visit with beautiful music. I get there 15 minutes early and am usually in the first 10-15 people in. The will usher you out though after Mass.

This worked for me up to last year. Someone tell us all if things have changed. I bring a backpack with a few bulky items. To the left of the little piazza (piazzetta) there is a concert hall that doubles as storage space for people visiting the Basilica. They'll tell you they will only hold your bag for an hour but they aren't keeping tabs. They give you a claim check. Walk to the exit (gift store) and then walk right into the Basilica through the exit door. Keep the claim check visible as you enter. If it still works, this will be the 14th year in a row I've done it. One of the great hints I got from reading RS. And yes, the upstairs is very worthwhile!

Hi Robert! Just so I'm clear, does your bag storage tip allow you to stay longer after the mass, while other people are being ushered out? If so, it's a wonderful tip that I wish we had extra time to take advantage of - it reminds me of all the tricks I used to avoid crowds in Walt Disney World! And what mass time do you typically attend (I'm not sure when the High Mass is), where arriving 15 mins early has gotten you in? We will likely be jet lagged but I'm hoping to get my family in gear to be there in time for the 9 am mass (or museum entry). Thank you!!

Hi neighbor, to answer your question: the high mass I go to is at 10:30. that is sung by the resident choir and they are very good. no, they won't let you hang around after but honestly the entrance/exit door for mass is maybe 30 steps to the storage room (ok, maybe a bit more but it's directly across from the exit). It would be easy to drop something off there and head right back into the basilica. honestly, I can't remember if people were stopped from bringing small bags in for mass. Worse case scenario: use your storage tag to walk right back in via the souvenir shot. If you google San Marco Venice you'll come up with tons of info, pictures, and other stuff. Enjoy! Remember to go dancing in the Piazza at night!!!

Thank you Robert! I'll think of you as I pass Wilmington on my next drive on 95S, and when my family is dancing in the Piazza at night :)