San Marco, Venice
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The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark (officially known in Italian as the Basilica Cattedrale Patriachale di San Marco and commonly known as Saint Mark’s Basilica) is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. It is the most famous of the city’s churches and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. It lies on Piazza San Marco, adjacent and connected to the Doge’s Palace. For its opulent design, gilded Byzantine mosaics, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power from the 11th century on, the building was known by the nickname Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold). Restorations and replacements were often necessary in later centuries, and great painters such as Paolo Uccello, Andrea del Castagno, Paolo Veronese, Jacopo Tintoretto and his son Domenico took part drawing the cartoons. Tiziano and the Padovanino prepared the cartoons for the sacristy, built in the late 15th century. Other remarkable mosaics decorate the Baptistery, the Mascoli Chapel, Saint Isidor Chapel and the Zen Chapel.
©2008 Bednorz Images
