Saint Marks Basilica, Italy

Basilica of Saint Mark is one of the outstanding architectural monuments of Venice. Many connoisseurs of historical architecture call it "a piece of ancient Byzantium in modern Europe". The cathedral is valued not only for its unique architectural style but also for the variety of religious relics and works of art kept in it. The year 829 is considered the date of the basilica's foundation. It was in this year that the holy relics of the Apostle Mark were delivered to the city. They are kept in the cathedral today. They are considered to be its main relic. The holy relics of the Apostle Mark attract thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.

The best craftsmen worked on the construction of the basilica. According to one version, the Church of the Holy Apostles located in Constantinople at that time became the prototype for the basilica. The facade of the basilica impresses with an abundance of elegant elements today. These are carved towers and archways, sculpture with images of saints, mosaic inserts, and miniature superstructures. All this forms a unique image of the basilica. The building impresses with its scale. The height of the cathedral is 43 meters. Its length is more than 76 meters.

The main altar is considered the key element of the unique decoration. Skilled jewelers worked on its creation for more than 500 years. The height of the altar is 2.5 meters. Its length is 3.3 meters. It consists of 80 miniature icons. They are made of precious materials. Guests of the basilica can also admire the unique mosaics. They were created in the 13th century. A small museum operates on the temple grounds today. Examples of ancient sculptures and antique mosaics are presented in it. There are also works of art here. Their age is more than a thousand years. Next - Smederevo Fortress