Tesoro di San Marco
Treasury of the Basilica di San Marco with about 300 sacred objects, largely Byzantine, which reached Venice after 1204.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Treasury is part of the Basilica di San Marco and is looked after by the Procuratoria di San Marco. It holds about 300 objects, mostly of Eastern sacred art dating from the 6th to the 12th century, many made from precious materials and decorated with stones. Most of the Eastern pieces reached Venice after the conquest of Constantinople in 1204.
The route, arranged in chronological order, includes Egyptian and Roman vases, amphorae and cups, among them a situla with hunting scenes; icons and Byzantine and Asian objects; glass chalices and rock crystal; and a rare 10th-century flask with an inscription in Kufic script. There follow reliquaries from the 13th to the 18th century, sacred furnishings and the bindings of liturgical books, including that of the Gospel of St Mark. At the entrance is the cathedra of St Mark, a block of cipollino marble from the 6th century.
The Treasury is organised in three areas: the Antitesoro (Ante-treasury), with the silver statue of St Mark by Francesco Francesconi (1804); the Santuario (Sanctuary), with 110 reliquaries and a rare Eastern altar frontal in alabaster; and the Tesoro proper, restored in 1938.
Highlights
- About 300 sacred objects, largely Byzantine
- Cathedra of St Mark in 6th-century cipollino marble
- 10th-century flask with a Kufic inscription
- Sanctuary with 110 reliquaries
- Binding of the Gospel of St Mark
Permanent exhibition
- Tesoro della basilica di San Marco – About 300 sacred objects, mainly Byzantine, arranged in the Antitesoro, the Santuario and the Tesoro.
- Operated by
- Procuratoria di San Marco
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50young people aged 6 to 18 |
| Children & teens | €1.50free up to age 6 · Young people aged 6 to 18; free admission up to age 6. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and their companions, with documentation. |
| Groups | –Groups and schools can request special rates. |
General admission to the basilica is free, while the Pala d'Oro, the Museum with the Loggia dei Cavalli and the Treasury have separate tickets. The basilica also offers combined tickets, for example Basilica + Pala d'Oro. Tickets can be bought online on the basilica's website.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
For mobility difficulties, the basilica staff direct visitors to the most suitable entrance. During services, people with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs enter through the Porta dei Fiori, which has a platform lift. The Museum on the upper floor can be reached by lift and stairlift.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Coat check
Free cloakroom in Piazzetta dei Leoncini; large rucksacks and bags are not allowed.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Respectful dress required (shoulders and knees covered). Routes are dedicated to guides, accredited tour operators and schools. |
