Page 418 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

416  IT AL Y AND GREECE

1 St. Mark’s

The basilica blends architectural and decorative styles . Pentecost Mosaic
from East and West to create one of Europe’s greatest The interior of the dome
buildings. Built on a Greek-cross plan and crowned with above the nave is
decorated with a
five huge domes, it is the third church to stand on this 12th-century mosaic
site. The first, built to enshrine the body of St. Mark in of the Holy Spirit
the 9th century, was destroyed by fire. The second was descending on
pulled down in the 11th century to make way for a the Apostles in
tongues of fire.
truly spectacular edifice, reflecting the growing
power of the Republic and its links with Byzantium.
The dark interior is clad in wonderful mosaics,
gleaming with gold. Many treasures – statues,
icons, and the famous horses – were brought
to St. Mark’s after the 4th Crusade had
plundered Constantinople in 1204.
St. Mark flanked
by Angels
The statues crowning the
central arch were added
in the early 15th century.

. Horses of
St. Mark
The four horses
are replicas of the
gilded bronze Main
originals, kept entrance
in the Museo
Marciano, reached
from the atrium.

. Facade Mosaics
These are either heavily restored
or replacements of the originals.
This 17th-century work shows
the body of St. Mark being
smuggled out of Alexandria.
For hotels and restaurants see pp438–40 and pp441–3

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