Hello, I have timed tickets (bought through the official website) for Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice. They are for end of July at noon. I'm wondering what the lines are like if you have timed tickets? I'm assuming there is a que where you line up to go through security and have your ticket scanned. Does it take a long time?
I'm traveling with my teenager and am expecting some pretty high temps - trying to manage how long we will be in the heat before entering.
Thank you!
The timed entry line should move pretty quickly
Make sure you follow their bag and dress restrictions carefully
No large bags and shoulders and knees must be covered (men and women)
They are very strict
Noon is a great time to be inside as I believe the Basilica will be illuminated then
At least the ticket collection and security line are inside the cathedral itself. I think the major construction is finally done (or close to) so the area around the cathedral will be less congested. The last time I did it they generally had us line up to the north side of the cathedral and then let each timed group in at a time. I can't guarantee anything but that area is often at least somewhat in shadow since it is squeezed between the other large buildings.
If you didn't buy the extra ticket for the museum buy the upgrade at the turnstile in the church because it is interesting and also it grants you access to the roof of the cathedral overlooking the piazza and the Grand Canal.
Enjoy Venice!
=Tod
We were just there, and the timed entry worked well. Some people were trying to get in earlier than the time on their ticket and were told to wait. They did allow entry about 5 minutes before your start time. Both men an women were turned away because their shoulders and knees were not covered. As mentioned, they are also very strict about the size of bags.
I was there in early June and there was no wait at all in the queue outside for people who had pre-booked tickets. It was a bit crowded inside, but no waiting around in the sun. That said, I did always have a collapsible sun-reflecting parasol in my bag and it was VERY useful for many other queues in broad sunlight (most notably in Florence for the Brunelleschi dome climb)
