Page 116 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

114  NOR THEAST IT AL Y

o Basilica di San Marco

Venice’s famous Basilica blends the architectural
and decorative styles of East and West to create one
of the greatest buildings in Europe. The exterior owes
its almost Oriental splendour to countless treasures
from the Republic’s overseas empire. Among these
are copies of the famous bronze horses brought from
Constantinople in 1204, and a wealth of columns,
bas-reliefs and coloured marbles studded across the
main façade. Mosaics from different epochs adorn the
five doorways, while the main portal is framed by some
of Italy’s loveliest Romanesque carving (1240–65). St Mark and Angels
The statues crowning the
central arch are additions
from the early 15th century.
. Horses of St Mark
The four horses are
replicas of the gilded
bronze originals, now
protected inside
the Basilica’s
museum.

KEY
1 The elegant arches echo those
of the lower floor, forming a repeat
pattern.
2 The Pentecost Dome, showing
the Descent of the Holy Ghost as
a dove, was probably the first dome
to be decorated with mosaics.
3 The Ascension Dome features
a magnificent 13th-century mosaic
of Christ surrounded by angels, the
12 Apostles and the Virgin Mary.
4 St Mark’s body, believed lost
in the fire of AD 976, supposedly
reappeared when the new church
was consecrated in 1094. The
remains are housed in the altar.
5 The Mosaic pavement shows
beautiful pictures of birds and
beasts, some of which are allegorical. Entrance
6 St Mark’s Treasury
7 Romanesque carvings adorn
the arches of the main portal.

. Façade Mosaics
A 17th-century mosaic
shows the body of St Mark
being taken from
Alexandria, reputedly
smuggled past Muslim
guards under slices of pork.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp562–5 and pp580–84

114-115_EW_Italy.indd 114 4/4/17 5:32 PM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.2)
Date 23rd October 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm