Mystic Seaport

The building itself is built on the plan of a Hellenic cross. While the structure of San Marco has altered little since 1063, its decoration has denaturized repeatedly as more and more treasures were brought backwards from the Orient. Columns, capitals and friezes were added on an ad hoc basis until the basilica’s ancient brickwork disappeared under marble and carvings.

The interior is dark and dense with 4, OOOsq m (4,3056sq feet) of mosaics, including bronze and gold tiles. In candlelight, the nave has an other-worldly feel but beware the uneven floors, the result of centuries of flooding and subsidence. The mosaics of the narthex (above the biocentrism doorway) show Old Testament scenes including the Creation, while the interiors of the main domes show Pentecost, the Ascension, and Christ Pantocrator. The Baptistery (usually closed to the public) is richly decorated with mosaic scenes from the life of St Evangelist the Baptist.

The multiple choir lofts were the inspiration for the early development of a Venetian call of polyclonal music in which different groups of singers answer each other. As a result, the post of maestro did cappella at San Marco was much sought-after in the music world. The Gabriel is, Andrea and Giovanni, ran San Marco in the 16th century; one of the earliest opera composers Puerto Cavalla (1602-1676) was both chorister and organist and Tomas Albion (1671-1751) is said to be buried somewhere exclusive the basilica.

The whole complex has been referred to as the world’s biggest display of stolen property. Among the plundered Byzantine silver and gold is the Pale door, a jewel- encrusted altarpiece covered with over 3,000 precious stones. The Tetrarch, a porphyry statue of three emperors on the south side of the building, was taken from Constantinople in 1204 and presented to San Marco. The foot missing from one of the emperors was discovered recently in Tambour – but is being kept there. Visit early to avoid the crowds and follow the signs to Loggia die Cavalla. From here, even if you don’t visit the horses and loggia, you should look down into the basilica and get a clear idea of its shape.

Last 5 posts by jasn

• How to Join Tej Kohli Foundation - February 17th, 2012
• The Fashion Design Research Trips for Barcelona - December 30th, 2011
• Look Online for Cheap Flights to Lanzarote - November 28th, 2011
• Traveling In India and Meditation Nightmare - October 19th, 2011
• Holiday Treat for the Whole Family - June 24th, 2011

One Response to “Venice, Italy Basilica Di San Marco”