Saint Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

This elaborate church sits on the popular piazza by the same name. Although the original church was built in 828, St. Mark's Basilica was rebuilt in 1094 after a 976 fire incinerated the older version. Today, its opulence shines from nearly every corner -- from the four bronze horses that guard the entrance to thousands of square feet of mosaics to the Pala d'Oro.

Come early to avoid crowds; the basilica is open daily with abbreviated hours on Sunday. General site visits are free, but the sanctuary and the in-house museum each cost a small fee.