I have learned that it is possible to reserve an entry time into St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. Is this necessary and/or advisable? There is no charge for the reservation. We (two adults, one 10 year old) will be there in early June. Without a reservation, when is the best time of day to visit, and how long is a typical visit? How "special" (i.e. worth the time & effort) are the Treasury, the Golden Alterpiece, and the Museum? I understand these are subjective opinions, but I am looking forward to any advice. I am trying (against my nature) to not overplan our trip.

Thanks!

St. Mark's Cathedral is the ONLY church in Venice where you must anticipate frustratingly long lines, just about any time of day. The crowds are so bad that many find it an unpleasant experience.

Hi js,

How does one go about making a reservation?

Especially in Venice, get to the most popular sights in the morning before the daytripping herds begin to thunder down Strada Nova. Then while they are trashing Venice's most popular areas through the late morning and early afternoon, you can have a pleasant time exploring the less touristed parts of the city.

Ira:

The tip came from Rick Steves Venice 2003 book. The web site is www.alata.it. At that page (unfortunately for me all in Italian) you can click on "La Basilica di San Marco" or the photo of the horses. This takes you to a page where, on the right side, you can click on "Prenota". A window opens which allows you to select date, time and number of persons. This is also all in Italian but seems fairly understandable. This is as far as I have gone -- I haven't tried to complete a reservation.

A quiet and peaceful way to experience St. Mark's is to go to the Mass at , I think, 8:30 am, probably every day. if you go to it on Sunday, the beautiful red glass chandeliers are lighted. We went once on All Saints and the gold and jeweled screen was turned around for the service- it was beautiful!

Enter by the side door near the recumbant lions not far from the clock tower. There will not be any lines; just tell the guard you are attending Mass. Afterwards there will be a few minutes when you can explore before the crowds enter, and of course you can stay and look as long as you like.