Rick Steves book says to check a bag around the corner from St marks basillica to avoid the line. Has anyone done this. It says you can check your back for up to one hour. Is that enough time?

Yes, it ought to be. You can also book your time, to avoid standing in line to get in.

Do you have to take a large bag?

When we went last Sept, I made reservations for a timed entry on the website for the Basilica. Took my email to the front of the loooong line, and the guard waved us in.

http://www.venetoinside.com/default....2452&PID=7

How long does it take to walk thru and see St Marks Basillica. I am reading like 20 minutes. Is that all that is allowed. Also..i rad that lighting is very importnat when viwing the basillca. I guess there is an ideal time when the light shines thru to make it tlook the best. any thoughts?

In Jan last during Carnival there were few lines but in summer long ones so depends on when you go

and yes if you have a day pack or any bulky items you will have to check it in a small church (i believe a few blocks from the entrance) - do this before waiting in line only to be told to go back and do it

You can stay in there as long as you want.

If you take the Scavi tour (highly recommended), you can go right into the basilica afterward without going through the line.

When it is a sunny day, the light shines through the windows and it is really beautiful. Not that it is any less amazing if you don't have the sunshine, but it makes for nice pictures.

"Scavi tour"? In Venice?

I'm not sure where I read it, but I recall mention that the lights are not on all the time inside the basilica, but htat they are definitely one at midday. On my last two visits, we visted the basilica at about 11;30am and it was illuminated, but after a while the lights were turned off. It wasn't a case of paying to turn on the lights as in some church chapels, but was controlled by the church caretakers.

Go straight to the ex-church where bags are deposited near to the Basilica (there are directions on a noticeboard in front of the Basilica). When you leave your bag while you tour the Basilica, you will be given a numbered token (to identify your bag when you return for it). Show this token to the official at the head of the queue at the Basilica. He will assume that you have queued in line and then been directed to the left-luggage place, so he will let you straight into the Basilica. This may be a little underhand for some, but .....

Oops - sorry! I read that post too quickly and was thinking about St. Peter's! That's what I get for checking out Fodor's while I should be working.