Basilica of San Marco, Venice

Basilica of San Marco, Venice

Republic of Venice

Italy--Venice

Architecture--Italy--Venice

Italy--Venice--St. Mark

Venice--Piazza San Marco

The Basilica of San Marco served as the spiritual heart of the Republic of Venice. Technically the private chapel of the leader of Venice -- the Doge -- this church houses the remains of the city's patron saint, Mark. Contrary to popular belief, San Marco is not a cathedral. The cathedral of Venice, San Pietro di Castello - is located far outside the city center. This peripheral location was intended to marginalize the importance of the papacy within the city's urban fabric.