St Marks Basilica
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One of the finest churches in Europe, and one of the oldest, the present building dates from the latter part of the 11th century. Built in the Byzantine style, the interior is dark, incense-laden and heavily decorated in exquisite and ancient mosaics. The church was built to house the relics of St Mark, who had no connection with Venice, but no self respecting city in medieval Europe could surviev long without relics - which attracted pilgrims, the forerunners of todays tourists. His bones were looted from North Africa by some enterprising Venetian merchants, and have remained here ever since, the patron saint of Venice.
Commerce is still alive and well. If you can beat your way through the trinket sellers you are faced, during most of the year, with an endless queue. This church can only really be appreciated properly during Mass. Outside of that, it makes for a great picture.
3 / 5
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Photo by flickr user fisticuffs
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