Bags, security and entry rules

Bags

Backpacks and luggage larger than 40 × 30 × 20 cm are not admitted, and trolleys never are.

That size is roughly a small daypack. Anything larger, and any suitcase on wheels, stays outside. The rules also bar anything that could endanger people or the building — they name drones, portable tripods, weapons of any kind, glue, paint and organic material — and anything metal or offensive inside a bag.

Left luggage. The Basilica no longer offers one. Its free bag deposit in the Ateneo San Basso, beside the Basilica, closed in December 2023, and the building is now being turned into an info point and shop, due in July 2027 (more on the works). Older guides that still send you there are out of date. The safe plan is to arrive with a bag that meets the limit.

Travellers asking where to leave a large bag are usually pointed to the left-luggage service at the railway station or to luggage-storage apps; one notes that the place the Basilica used to recommend no longer seems to exist.

Security

Metal detector at the entrance; bags may be searched. Objects judged dangerous are taken by the armed guard and returned when you leave. Staff may also check tickets again while you are inside.

Your ticket, your name, your slot

• ID. Every ticket is in the visitor’s name from the moment of booking; bring a valid ID. Tickets bought as a private visitor cannot be passed on or renamed.
• Time slot. Entry only in the time slot you booked. The conditions of sale allow up to 15 minutes before or after; the ticket shop’s own FAQ speaks of about 5 minutes, so arrive on time.
• Scanned in and out. Every entry and exit is by individual scan of the ticket.

A ticket bought against the conditions of sale, or from a guide or operator not accredited by the Procuratoria, is not valid and is cancelled without refund — the rules put that sentence in capitals. Buy from the official shop or from a seller who books through the Procuratoria’s channel for operators.

You do not need to print the ticket: the ticket shop’s FAQ says a phone or tablet is fine, and the QR code is read at the turnstiles.

Which door

The price list groups individual tickets under the Porta San Pietro, the second door from the left on the west front, and school, guide and operator tickets under the Porta San Clemente, for schools, guides and tour operators. The rules add that entrances are signposted on site and can change. The Porta dei Fiori, on the north side, is the door for prayer and Mass. The nearest waterbus stop is San Zaccaria: see getting there.

Inside

• Photos: Photos for strictly personal use only. No professional cameras or video, and no live streaming.
• Phones: ringer off, and no calls inside the church.
• Food and drink: No food, drink or chewing gum, no smoking, and no sitting down inside.
• Silence: Silence, a low voice, and phones on silent with no calls inside the church.
• Animals: No animals, except guide dogs.
• Shoes: Heels and shoes you cannot walk steadily in are advised against: some passages are very narrow and steep.
• Time: 20 minutes at most inside the Basilica, along the roped route (Pala d’Oro not included); 10 minutes at most at the Pala d’Oro.

High water

When acqua alta reaches the narthex, the Procuratoria sets out alternative routes, signposted and staffed, and asks visitors to follow the raised walkways and the custodians’ directions.

The consequence

Breaking the rules of conduct can mean being removed from the Basilica, with your group, and your tickets cancelled without refund. The clothing rules are on the dress code page.