PRICE: none VALUE: €€€€€
Saint Mark's Basilica is the place to visit while in Venice.
This beautiful church doesn't cost a dime, or a euro, to get in. Due to that reason the line to get in can be really long. When I went it was sunny and about 85ºF, so standing in line outside was the last thing I wanted to do. To my surprise I only had to stand in line for about 20 minutes before I was able to go inside. You could have also booked guided tours ahead of time online and skipped the line.
St. Mark's Basilica is an active and ancient church, so they ask that you "respect this holy place" and require your thighs and shoulders to be covered fully. They do sell robe-like covers inside the building. I did have to buy a souvenir scarf to cover my shoulders, so that is something to be aware of before you visit.
Entry into the church is free, but if you want to see the relics of the church, get the view from the balcony, or go behind the altar you have to pay a small price for a ticket. The ticket prices range from €2-€5 for full price. Children aged 6-17 got a reduced price by €1-€1.50.
To view the relics was about €2, going behind the altar was around €2, and going to the balcony was €5. I only went onto the balcony, but all of the interest points are clearly marked and prices are listed right at the entrance.
Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the church, but they have a separate building to store the bags not allowed in. They keep them in storage for an hour, which cuts your time inside the church a little short especially if you want to visit the interest points. There are signs with poor directions to where the building is, so just ask someone else standing in line or find someone who works at the church and get directions from them.
Was it worth it?
Yes. A million times yes.
The entirety of the ceilings are covered in glistening gold mosaics depicting bible stories, saints, and popes. The floors are covered in meticulously detailed mosaics as well. Featuring everything from complex geometric patterns to peacocks. Every time you move your eyes there is something else to look at.
Something to remember:
Pictures are not allowed inside the church, and the attendants are very good about making sure no one breaks that rule. While picture seem to make or break a vacation, don't break the rule. Sometimes you have a better time if you just take in and enjoy your surrounding than if you worry about getting enough pictures.