This Basilica is small but beautiful. Make sure to follow the dress code, knees and shoulders…read morecovered. There are additional features that you need to get separate tickets for (or get a bundle) so make sure to do your research beforehand and and book appropriately. It will be a short visit given the venue isn't large but it's worth it when you're in Venice!

Basilica di San Marco or the St. Mark's Basilica is dedicated to St. Mark, the patron saint of the…read morecity and a house for his relics. This is without a doubt the most important religious site in the city of Venice. At the time of our visit, there was construction on front of the building, but it was still beautiful. It is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with Gothic influences. There was so much incredible detail that went into every inch of the building. I did not get to go inside but the outside was already impressive. A great spot for photos.

Venice's only Gothic church. It is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. It is simply called "I…read moreFrari" as it was built by the brothers (frati) of the Franciscan order. LOCATION: In the San Polo sestiere but I remember just stumbling onto it while walking the island from my hotel in Dorsoduro to the train station on the opposite side of the island. ADMISSION: €3 Modest dress requested. I'm an atheist but as Christianity was highly influential in shaping European history I visit churches with the intent of understanding the history (and sometimes) art in shaping a region's cultural identity. As the Frari is not in San Marco, Rialto or any other major Venetian landmark I would've easily missed this church if not for Rick Steves' audioguide (http://podcasts.ricksteves.com/walkingtours/FrariChurch.mp3). His reasoning is that offers an opportunity to experience art in-situ (right where it was designed to be seen) as opposed to hanging in a museum. The audioguide explains the major art pieces in detail way better than I ever can. Here's a summary of the major pieces inside the church. - Titian's Assumption of Mary. This is considered to be Titian's magnum opus and his first major commission from a church. It's located behind the main altar. Its depiction of Mary was revolutionary for its time as she is seen as triumphant and depicted in soft and warm colors. - Titian's Madonna of Ca' Pesaro. What's significant is that this broke Renaissance tradition by depicting Mary and Jesus off-center and interacting with the commonfolk. - Giovanni Bellini's Madonna and Child aka the Frari Triptych. - Tombs of Titian and Canova. Titian had his tomb decorated with a relief of his most famous painting. On the other side Canova's cenotaph (Venice's most famous sculptor) is pyramid-shaped and was once meant for Titian, but when the church used the present design his pupils repurposed it for their master instead. It's a cenotaph because he isn't buried here but an urn contains his heart. Once you're done exploring the church the surrounding area is quieter than San Marco or Rialto. It makes for a good lunch/dinner spot and the prices are more reasonable.

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (aka Frari Church) was one of my favorite attractions in Venice…read more The church is beautiful, there were no lines to wait in, and the cost was only 3 Euros per person. Frari church has many beautiful Venetian sculptures. The main highlight at this church is Titian's Assumption over the main alter. We downloaded Rick Steves' free audio tour onto to our iPods and it really added to the experience since our knowledge on Venetian art and Frari Church were minimal. You can download the free audio tour at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/italy-audio-tours/id272230438 After you visit the church I recommend checking out the Dorsoduro neighborhood along the Grand Canal and buying a cone of gelato!

Beautiful! A incredible walk along the way. Just cross the bridge. Maybe 20 minutes away if your…read morewalking from st marks.

We walked to this Basilica one morning before lunch... it's a beautiful basilica on the point of…read morethe Grand Canal and worth the visit. They're doing some renovation inside currently, but it's still beautiful. It's amazing to see the sheer size and beauty, especially when inside of the construction!

Buy yourself an all day vaporetto ticket, and take the ride to San Giorgio. We went in the church…read more(free), and if you walk about half way, and then go left to the back of the building, to find the entrance to the Bell Tower. It's 8€ to take the elevator to the top. No lines, no crowds....just great views. And a free bathroom, at the steps to the elevator.

San Giorgio Maggiore is a Benedictine church built in the 16th century,. The architect is Andrea…read morePalladio in a classical Renaissance style. The church's facade is made of a brilliant white marble. It is located on the island directly opposite Saint Mark's Square. The church of San Giorgio Maggiore is just a 5 minute vaporetto ride from the S. Zaccaria stop. The number 2 vaporetto takes you to the island and the church. A mass is held on Sunday at 11 am and conducted in Gregorian Chant. Entrance to the church and mass are free. The church is filled with great works of art like the "Adoration of the Shepards (Bassano)," The Last Supper" (Tintoretto) and" St, George and the Dragon" (Carpaccio) to name a few. The interior is of white Istrian stone and is illuminated by natural sunlight in a most magical way. There is a bell tower which has a lift. It costs 5 Euros and gives you magnificent views of Venice, St. Mark's Square, the Adriatic sea and on a clear day the Alps. It is significantly less visited than other sites and therefore has short lines or no lines at all. When you are at the top of the bell tower you are not crowded and can take your time with photos. Built by Palladio (1566) the architecture became the inspiration for the Thomas Jefferson Monticello.

The grandeur that was Venice at the height of its power, although long since passed into the annals…read moreof history, is on full display in this grandiose, gilded basilica that ranks as one of the very finest in Italy, if not in the world. Best of all, it's free to visit! Marvel at the golden glory of the blinged-out mosaic ceiling. Stand in awe before the splendor of the Byzantine exterior. This marvelous edifice stands in the glorious Piazza San Marco, one of the most famous and beautiful in the world. When you've had enough of the basilica, make sure you check out the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) next door. It is even more breathtaking, if that is possible!

This was a beautiful, awe inspiring place to visit with Gothic, Byzantine, and Italian Gothic…read morearchitecture. It is the most famous and recognizable church in Venice, in the most recognized Square. It's also the church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of northern Italy. Be aware of the dress code and the search procedures. We had a prepaid ticket from our tour company that got us right in. If you wish to stay in the church after the tour to see more, just don't exit and you can explore more on your own and avoid the crowds. Worth the time and effort to see such a marvelous place.

This church is across the St. Marco Square. We took the ferry to Lido Island and discover a wedding…read morewas held here. It was a military wedding. It was beautiful to see it. It must a lucky guy can rent this church for the wedding. We were at the church next day after the Murano glass tour. We use the free time after the tour to visit this church. The church have the step to the entrance. It is perfect for the military wedding with the saw to be raised as gate. The church dome is beautiful. It is simple church which commissioned on the 15 century. Not many know about this church. The church has nice courtyard on the front overlooking the St. Mark Square. It make this perfect spot to see the square.

Strolling through the back streets of Venice we came across a small, pleasant Plaza with a…read morenondescript church. Having learned our lesson that "nondescript" in Italy on the outside can mean quite different things on the inside we passed through the door and into San Giovanni in Bragora church. It is a small, exquisite church - a quiet sanctuary. We learned it dates from the late 1400s, which in California would make it an ancient shrine that would draw thousands. In Italy it stands quietly without fanfare serving its local neighborhood as it has for over 500 years. We were amazed that here was the church where Vivaldi was baptized in 1678, and no doubt he and his family attended services here when he was young. Beautiful artwork and architecture is reason enough for a visit. The history in these local churches is awe-inspiring.

An exceptional church just a short stroll from St. mark's. My favorite thing about this church is…read morethat it is a working church where local people attend mass, pray, and give thanks. The walls of the church are full of frescos from the renaissance masters, and you get to see them in situ as intended by their creators. The church has a crypt and a small museum. The highlight for me were the relics on display -- the body of St. Athanasius, patriarch of Alexandria, and of course the relics of St. Zacharias, father of John the Baptist after whom the church is named.

Gondolas, cafes, gift shops & lots of beautiful things. Wonderful people watching with gondolas…read moregoing on every direction. This is the water taxi stop to explore San Marcos Square and Basilica.

There are so many lovely churches in Venice that it is hard to rank this one appropriately. It has…read moresome worthwhile artwork and the religious symbols are nicely done. It provides a serene atmosphere for a quiet stroll or for sedate contemplation. If you happen to be passing by, it is worth five or ten minutes of your time to step in. It is probably not worth going out of your way to see, however.