Basilica di San MarcovsTeatro La Fenice
Both are highly recommended by experts. Overall, St Mark's Basilica scores marginally higher than Teatro La Fenice. St Mark's Basilica scores 91 with accolades from 7 publications like Concierge, Michelin Guide and Time Out.
Basilica di San Marco
Concierge
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
Time Out
Fodor's
Condé Nast Traveler
Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine
Atlas Obscura Afar Magazine Show All Reviews
San Marco 328, 30124 Venice
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Concierge "Entering St. Mark's Square from its western end and suddenly confronting this glittering, magnificent Byzantine cathedral has been the oh-wow moment for countless Venice visitors."
Frommer's "The architectural style for the sumptuously Byzantine Basilica di San Marco, replete with five mosquelike bulbed domes, was borrowed from Constantinople." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"The brick basilica is clad in patchworks of marbles and reliefs from Syria, Egypt and Palestine – priceless trophies from Crusades conquests and battles with Genoa." Full review
Time Out "Often seen as the living testimony of Venice's links with Byzantium, St Mark's basilica is also an expression of the city's independence." Full review
Fodor's "An expression of the political, intellectual, and economic aspiration and accomplishments of a city that for centuries was at the forefront of European culture." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "On the top of every first-time Venice visitor's must-see list, this Byzantine cathedral never fails to impress." Full review
i
To avoid the lines during high season, book a timed ticket online—or, better yet, stop by for an early morning mass.
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"The facade of Saint Mark's Basilica is superb, the interior will leave you in awe." Full review
Afar Magazine "The beauty on the outside can't even begin to compete with the treasure that is the inside - unfortunately no photos are allowed. Photos wouldn't do it justice anyway." Full review
Atlas Obscura "An extensive collection of reliquaries containing the bones of saints housed in the largest Catholic church in Venice. " Full review
Afar Magazine "The Basilica San Marco is Venice's crown jewel." Full review
Teatro La Fenice Concierge
Travel + Leisure Time Out Michelin Guide Condé Nast Traveler
Let's Go Afar Magazine
U.S. News & World Report Travel + Leisure Frommer's Show All Reviews
Campo San Fantin 1965, 30124 Venice
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Concierge "Still looking magnificent after its lengthy post-fire restoration, La Fenice opera house is a small gem of super-ornate gilt and curlicues."
Travel + Leisure "Book tickets for the recently restored 1836 opera house, where you can listen to Verdi and Puccini's masterpieces in their home country." Full review
Time Out "Hidden away from view behind the ornate gilding and faux-Baroque plush are state-of-the-art technological innovations. The tour with audio guide lasts roughly 45 minutes." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"Superb concert hall with its green ceiling, stucco work and caryatids, as well as its foyers lit by Murano chandeliers and decorated with phoenix-themed tapestries." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Venice's grand opera house presents a year-round program of always-popular and top-quality operas, concerts, chamber music, ballets, and recitals." Full review
Let's Go "The opera is not most students’ idea of nightlife, but if you love shrilling arias, the tuxedo life, and €250 tickets, go right ahead." Full review
Afar Magazine "Aptly named after the phoenix, this opera house has risen from its own ashes three times, the last in the 1990s when it was burned in an act of arson." Full review
U.S. News & World Report4.0
"The Teatro La Feniceis one of Italy's most popular opera houses, and one that has almost faced its demise from not one, but three big fires since opening in 1792." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Most visitors tour Venice's famous opera house...but for a more intimate experience, book a ticket for a show to hear the legendary acoustics and see the gold-drizzled stucco up close"
Venice Travel Guide
July 6, 2021
Frommer's "One of Italy’s most famous opera houses...take in the opulent main theater, ornate side rooms, the gilded “royal box,” and a small exhibit dedicated to feted soprano Maria Callas." Full review
