With Doge’s Palace attracting 1.4 million and St. Mark’s Basilica welcoming even more visitors these two landmarks reign supreme as the most popular tourist destinations in Venice.
While Doge’s Palace allows you to explore the corridors of Venetian authority, St. Mark’s Basilica impresses with its brilliant mosaics and religious heritage, making them an ideal combination for Venice visitors.
Find out more about them in this article to make an informed decision and improve your Venice experience.
Comparisons between the Two: Doge’s Palace vs. St. Mark’s Basilica
Doge’s Palace
Location: Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Annual Visitors: Over 1 million
Opening Date: 812 AD (original structure), 1340 AD (current palace)
Timing: 8.30 am to 7 pm (varies by season)
Features: Observation deck, restaurant, shops, hotel
Ticket Price: €30
Known For: Former seat of Venetian government, Venetian Gothic architecture, art collection
Size: Approximately 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres)
St. Mark’s Basilica
Location: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Annual Visitors: Over 4 million
Opening Date: 828 AD (original structure), 1063 AD (current basilica)
Timing: 9 am to 5 pm (varies by season)
Ticket Price:€20
Known For: Cathedral of Venice, Byzantine mosaics, religious relics
Size: Approximately 7,000 square meters (75,350 square feet).
History
Originally built in the 9th century and later rebuilt in the Gothic style, Doge’s Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice. It also housed the government and judicial bodies.
In contrast, the St. Mark’s Basilica’s origins date back to the 9th century. It evolved from a private chapel for the Doge into the city’s cathedral, housing the relics of Saint Mark and attracting pilgrims from afar.
Purpose
While Doge’s Palace was primarily a center of governance, hosting important ceremonies and offices, St. Mark’s Basilica fulfilled a religious role, hosting religious ceremonies and serving as a symbol of Venetian faith and connection to the Byzantine Empire.
Today, Doge’s Palace operates as a museum, offering insights into Venetian history. At the same time, St. Mark’s Basilica remains an active church and a major tourist attraction.
You should examine the Doge’s Palace history and architecture in detail to understand the significance of the attraction and add context to your visit.
Architectural Style
The Doge’s Palace exhibits a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Byzantine influences. Its exterior features a blend of delicate arches, intricate pink marble carvings, and open loggias.
In contrast, the St. Mark’s Basilica is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, known for its five massive domes and 8,000 square meters of gold mosaics, and a facade carrying intricate sculptures and spires.
Both landmarks attract tourists with their unique blend of history, artistry, and cultural significance.
These two landmarks in Venice are just 30 feet from each other, so tourists prefer visiting both attractions with a convenient single ticket. Check out the most affordable options now!
Art and Exhibits
Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice provide diverse but intriguing art experiences.
| Feature | Doge’s Palace | St. Mark’s Basilica |
|---|---|---|
| Art Style | Primarily Renaissance and Venetian Gothic, with some Mannerist influences. | Primarily Byzantine art with extensive mosaics, incorporating elements of Romanesque and Gothic styles. |
| Paintings | Works depicting historical events, mythology, and portraits of Doges by renowned Venetian artists like:TitianTintorettoVeronese | Mostly absent. The focus is on mosaics. |
| Sculptures | Limited sculptures, mostly decorative or architectural elements. | Scattered sculptures throughout, including on the facade and within the church. |
| Mosaics | Present, but less extensive or dominant than in St. Mark’s. Examples include scenes from Venetian history. | The main artistic feature. There are over 4,000 square meters of mosaics depicting biblical stories, saints, and religious figures, all shimmering with gold. |
| Exhibits | Focuses on Venetian history and government. Visitors can see – WeaponsMapsHistorical documents | Primarily religious exhibits showcasing – RelicsReligious artifactsItems related to St. Mark |
| Highlights | Tintoretto’s “Paradise” (world’s longest canvas painting) Hall of the Great Council with its vast ceiling paintingsGolden StaircaseArmory showcasing weapons and military equipment | The Pala d’Oro (golden altarpiece) adorned with jewels and precious stones The Treasury with religious relics and Byzantine artworksThe bronze horses on the facade (replicas, originals in the museum) |
Read more about the top 7 paintings inside Doge’s Palace here.
Location
Doges Palace
St Mark Basilica
The Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica are practically next door to each other and are located in St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), the heart of Venice.
Address of Doge’s Palace: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Address of St. Marks Basilica: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
The Doge’s Palace sits on the eastern waterfront of St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), the heart of Venice.
At the same time, the St. Mark’s Basilica occupies the northern end of St. Mark’s Square, facing the Doge’s Palace across the piazza.
The proximity of these two landmarks makes it incredibly convenient to visit them both during your trip to Venice. You can easily walk between them without needing any transportation.
The distance between the two buildings is minimal, approximately (300 feet) or a 2 to 3-minute walk.
Entry Ticket Prices Comparison
When comparing entry ticket prices, Doge’s Palace offers adult tickets at €30, youth, seniors and student (with ID) tickets at €15, and free entry for infants up to 5 years old.
In contrast, St. Mark’s Basilica has a fixed price of €20 for all age groups.
While Doge’s Palace may seem pricier for adults, it provides a discounted rate for children compared to St. Mark’s Basilica.
However, St. Mark’s Basilica offers simplicity with a uniform price structure for all visitors.
You can avail even better prices and discounts by buying a guided tour combo ticket for Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, which will provide you hassle free experience of both the attractions in one single ticket.
Facilities and Amenities Comparison
While known for their architectural elements and history, both Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica offer some modern amenities to enhance your visit.
Let’s explore what each has to offer.
| Feature | Doge’s Palace | St. Mark’s Basilica |
|---|---|---|
| Restrooms | ✔️limited availability | ✔️limited availability |
| Cloakrooms | ✔️paid service | ❌ |
| Cafeteria/Restaurant | ❌ | ❌ |
| Gift Shop | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Water Fountains | ❌ | ❌ |
| Accessibility | Limited – stairs throughout, uneven floors | Limited – stairs throughout, uneven floors |
| Guided Tours | ✔️offered for an additional fee | ✔️offered for an additional fee, also self-guided tours are possible. |
| Audio Guides | ✔️ available for rent | ✔️available for rent |
| Lockers | ❌ | ❌ |
| Luggage Storage | ❌ | ❌ |
Opening Hours
Regarding opening hours, Doge’s Palace is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, with extended hours until 10 pm on selected summer dates.
St. Mark’s Basilica has varying hours depending on the season, with the main church area generally open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm and separate fees and timings for terrace and other areas.
On Sundays and Holy Days, the basilica is closed to visitors in the morning for religious services. It opens to the public at 2 pm.
Best Time to Visit Doge’s Palace vs. St. Mark’s Basilica
Both the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica are popular attractions in Venice, but the Doge’s Palace tends to be less crowded, especially in the mornings and evenings.
To avoid crowds, optimal visiting times for both places is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October offer pleasant weather and manageable crowds, while winter provides quieter experiences but may come with weather-related closures.
Additionally, a guided tour can provide priority entry and help navigate the crowds.
Which Attraction is Ideal For You?
Both Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica are must-see landmarks in Venice, offering rich historical insights and architectural beauty, making them essential stops for any visitor to the city.
While Doge’s Palace provides a deeper look into the political history of Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica dazzles with its religious significance and artistic treasures.
Art and history enthusiasts usually prefer taking a guided tour of both attractions together.
We recommend you visit both landmarks and also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of St. Mark’s Square on your trip.
However, if due to time or budget constraints, you have to choose one –
- Choose Doge’s Palace if you are drawn to the political history, magnificent art, and Gothic-Renaissance architecture on your Venice trip.
- Opt for St. Mark’s Basilica if you are fascinated by religious history, Byzantine art, and intricate mosaics. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the spiritual and cultural grandeur of Venice.
If you love history and architecture and want to see more of Venice’s gems, consider taking a Venice City Pass. This pass provides convenient access and can enhance your exploration of the city’s treasures.