St Mark’s Basilica: questions and answers
Short answers, taken from the Basilica’s own documents, each with a link to the guide that goes further. Where the official pages do not answer a question, we say so.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket?
Yes, to visit. Entry is €10.00 for a booked time slot. For prayer and Mass, entry is free through the Porta dei Fiori. See tickets.
Is St Mark’s Basilica free?
Not for most visitors. It is free for children (under 10 in the tariff; the shop says under 11), residents of Venice and the listed towns, visitors with a disability and a companion, and a few other groups. See free entry and reductions.
How much are tickets?
€10.00 for the Basilica, €20.00 with the Pala d’Oro or with the Museum, €30.00 for everything, and €15.00 for the Campanile. See ticket prices.
Can I buy tickets at the entrance?
No. There is no ticket desk at the Basilica: tickets are sold online only, and at the automatic machines of the partner churches. Book before you go.
What if tickets are sold out?
Try other slots and ticket types, the partner churches’ machines, Sunday morning’s Museum ticket, or an accredited tour. See sold-out tickets.
Can I show my ticket on my phone, or must I print it?
Your phone is enough. The ticket shop’s FAQ says printing is not mandatory: the QR code is read at the turnstiles from a phone or tablet. Bring ID too: the ticket is in your name.
What happens if I am late?
The conditions of sale allow up to 15 minutes either side of your slot, but the ticket shop’s FAQ speaks of about 5 minutes, and entry can be refused outside the slot. Arrive on time. See entry rules.
Can I change my date, or get a refund?
The official terms we could read do not set this out. Check the conditions when you book; tickets cancelled for breaking the rules are never refunded.
Is the Pala d’Oro included?
Not in the basic ticket. It is €20.00 with the Basilica, or part of the full ticket. See the Pala d’Oro.
Are the Museum and the terrace included?
Not in the basic ticket. The Basilica and Museum ticket (€20.00) includes the Loggia dei Cavalli terrace. See the Museum.
Is the Campanile included?
No. The bell tower is a separate ticket, €15.00. See the Campanile.
What should I wear? Are shorts allowed?
Cover shoulders and knees; no short shorts or skirts, no bare feet, and men take their hats off. See the dress code.
Can I bring a backpack?
Only up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm, and never a trolley. The Basilica no longer has a bag deposit, so leave large bags at the station or a private left-luggage service. See bags and security.
Do I need ID to get in?
Yes. Every ticket is in the visitor’s name and checked against a valid ID.
Is photography allowed inside?
Yes, for personal use. No professional cameras or video, no tripods and no streaming.
How long does a visit take?
The church is 20 minutes at most, by the rules; plan about an hour with the Pala d’Oro and the Museum. See the best time to visit.
When is the best time to visit?
The first slot of the day, or one near last admission, on a weekday. See the best time to visit.
Is it open on Sunday?
For visitors, 14:00 – 17:15, last admission 16:45. The Museum and Loggia open in the morning. See opening hours.
Can tourists attend Mass?
Anyone may attend Mass or come to pray, free, through the Porta dei Fiori. See Mass times.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Visitors with a disability and a companion enter free and are shown to the most suitable entrance; the Museum has a lift and a stair-lift. See getting there and access.
Can children visit?
Yes. They follow the same dress code, and children up to 12 must be held by the hand on the terraces.
How do I get there?
By vaporetto 1 or 2 to San Zaccaria, or 30–45 minutes on foot from the station. See getting there.
Last checked: September 30, 2026