Saint Mark's Domes

San Marco

Saint Mark's Domes
Inside the five domes of the Saint Mark’s basilica, located in the centre of the basilica and along its apses, the golden mosaics, one of the most riveting aspects of the visit, are preserved. Mostly dating back to the XII century, their reading should be made according to the basilica orientation: from the East (chancel) to the West (main gate), along a sun-lit pathway symbolically associated to Jesus Christ. Like a miniature-painted gospel, the core narrates the story of Christian deliverance and its focal points are the three large domes of the central nave. The Ascension dome, in the middle of the basilica, with its precious materials and colours - gold, silver and copper in addition to crystals and lapis lazuli – is considered a masterpiece of Saint Mark’s mosaics and the heart of their spiritual message.