I read that you could get a 10 or 15 minute reservation to go into the Bascilica. The site I was given does not work. Does anyone know anything about this? Thanks for your help. Jeanne

I've never needed a reservation just to go in a look inside. Just walk up to the door and wait in the line.

We did this. The site we booked it at was www.alata.it

It sure beat waiting in line.

I never had to wait in line for the basilica more than 5-10 minutes, tops.

Jessica,
This is the site I did use. The screen is white and it says "closure". I am looking for October 16 or 17. I then checked for December as a test and got the same screen. I don't know what to do. Thanks, Jeanne

I will wait in line if I can't get a reservation. Thanks for your help.

jeno, I just tried it and works..

http://www.alata.it/ita/BOOKING/sanmarco.asp

There was a very short line in early October two years ago. I wouldn't have bothered to make a reservation even if I'd been aware that I could.

It must depend on when you go. When we were there in June the line was very long

The line was very long every day we were there in July, also. I'm glad to hear they are shorter in October since that is when we are going back. Now I don't feel like I necessarily have to make a reservation as I previously thought.

We made a reservation for a visit in June (also - a huge line) for the first opening of the day. It was great because we entered before it got mobbed - and had some amount of privacy before they were able to fill the bascilica. In winter (early December) there were no lines at all.

kismetchimera- I still just get the white screen. I must be doing something wrong. Do you see any times available for October 16?

jeno, I see what you mean. I went through the whole process and entered 16-10-2005, and got a white grid for the month of October, which meant "Closure" according to the legend.

Perhaps the contributors that said it worked for them only went to the first page or two.

I am however, of the opinion that the lines will be shorter in October as opposed to June, July and August.

We just returned from Italy. We went to San Marco B. on Thurs and Friday, 7/21 and 7/22. The line is quick and free; if you have shorts or bare shoulders, they give you wrap! Ha!

We went in June & the queue was always extremely long, at least 1 or 2 hours I'd guess - even half an hour before opening. Pre-booking was the best tip we had. Although we went at 13.05 there were still very few people in there, so they must only let in very few at a time.