Venice - St Mark's Basilica

St. Mark's Basilica, time to go inside :)

Our first sight of  this amazing building.

The entrance to the Basilica, the ceiling mosaic tiles are made from 24ct gold leaf fused onto glass! 

This is the view as you enter the main part of the Basilica.

A small side chapel in the background.

Looking towards the main altar, 

Ceiling mosaic of Christ Pantocrator in the semi dome of the apse.

Approaching the main altar.

The main altar, what is amazing is what is behind this screen.

Walking round to the Pala d'Oro (the altar retable)

...to see this wonderful sight, 1927 precious gems and stones mounted on gold, finished in 1105.

A detail from the Pala d'Ora, a truly amazing piece of work.

Looking up to one of the side galleries.

One of the side chapels.

On the way up to the Museum, above is one of the ceilings.

Looking down into the main body of the Church.

A last look up to one of the domes :)

And finally some examples of the marble floors in the Basilica.

Next blog we finally get close up to the horses :)