Basilica di San Marco

The Basilica of San Marco is the cathedral of the city of Venice and the seat of the patriarchate. Together with the Campanile and St. Mark's Square, it forms the main architectural site of Venice, constituting the most recognized symbol of the city and Veneto in the world. It is also one of the symbols of Venetian art and Christianity as well as an Italian national monument. Already in the 11th century, the Basilica of San Marco began to be widely nicknamed the "Church of Gold", by virtue of the treasure of St. Mark, the ornate mosaics, and the majestic design elements that made this sacred building a visible symbol of the power and wealth of the Serenissima.