And now you've finally gone inside St. Mark's Cathedral. Find a quiet corner, perhaps by moving away from the entrance. You'll immediately feel like the lighting was recently redone to enhance the unique sparkle of this cathedral, where it seems to float between the gold mosaics and colors of the antique marble.
Before you start moving around, slowly get used to the volumes and lights, and begin to familiarize yourself with the unusual structure of this church, where typical Venetian and Western motifs blend with elements of oriental architecture, including Byzantine and also Arab styles. Under the shiny mosaics, you can discern the rounded shape of the powerful arches supported by sturdy pillars. Halfway up, also note the contrast with the thin balustrades of the matroneo, which is the balcony that was once reserved for women.
Keep in mind that the most ancient mosaics are those within the five domes: here the figures are in Byzantine style and seem to float in a golden ocean; the most valuable mosaics are those of the Pentecost dome, which is the first at the beginning of the central nave. You'll recognize the Apostles preaching, inspired by rays of light coming from a dove in the center of the dome, which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
Now pause the audio and go to the Baptistery.
The Baptistery where you now stand was made in the 1300s by modifying the right side of the atrium. I'd like to point out the beautiful baptismal bathtub and lid in the center and the bronze Baptist statue. The walls have the tombs of ancient doges, and above, over the marble slab covering, you can see mosaics from different ages. Here you can have fun trying to recognize styles, ranging from the oldest and most mystical scenes, from Byzantine influences to those of the Renaissance era.
Now pause the audio and go to the high altar.
Accompanied by the ripples in the floor, you've reached the mystical center of the cathedral. A fence dominated by beautiful 14th-century statues protects the area of the high altar, where between four extraordinary, completely carved alabaster columns, you've finally gotten as close as you can to the precious relics of St. Mark!
FUN FACT: behind the high altar, you absolutely have to go to see the awesome "Pala d'Oro", or Golden Cloth, one of the most famous artistic treasures of the cathedral. Just imagine, this gigantic jewel made by Venetian goldsmiths from the 1300s has more than 2,500 precious stones!
