This evening was a big adventure. Started with a vaporretto trip down the grand canal, in the cold and wet, to St Marks Square.
We joined our group and guide from ‘Walks of Italy’ and set off for an after hours tour of St Marks Basilica. After dodging pouring gargoyles from high up we entered the atrium where we were allowed to take pictures while our guide explained (through earphones) all about the construction, the art, the history and everything we should know about the church. While listening we were mesmerised by the shiny ceiling mosaics and religious art – what will the basilica be like ?
After getting a stiff neck and sparkly eyes we looked down at the floor, check out these tiles, also only in the atrium.
After all the introductions we entered the Basilica where it was quiet and the lights very subdued, and we all sat down and waited.
After we had settled, all the lights were turned off and we waited for a while in the quiet and still. Then slowly the lights were turned on amidst ooohs and sighs and the magnificent gold and coloured mosaics and art were illuminated. No photographs allowed, but this is in keeping with a very sacred structure.
It was strange walking out into a completely deserted St Marks Square – where is everyone ?
Back on the Vaporreto for a night time cruise down the canal then a walk through the deserted city to our accommodation.
Review of our After House Tour of St Markes
- Expensive, but worth seeing
- A bit short, we did not have enough time to walk around inside
- Great not to share with the queuing masses
- Where hustled out a bit aggressively, for the amount of money paid this was a bit graceless
- St Marks is a fantastic sight, but just a but too much blink
- We are glad we went on this tour as we would never have understood nor appreciated the Church as much with out the crowds and with a good guide.