Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
ShowingFilter 3381-3400 of 4530 listings.
St John's Co-Cathedral
Behind the misleadingly plain baroque facade of St. John's Co-Cathedral hides one of Europe's most spectacular churches, built by the Knights of St. John following their defeat of the Ottoman Turks in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Today, this important religious site is one of Malta’s most visited attractions.
The Basics
Located at the heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, St. John's Co-Cathedral is one of the city’s must-sees. A Valletta walking tour is a popular way to explore, and the cathedral is within easy walking distance of the Grand Master’s Palace, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Entrance to the church includes access to the oratory and church museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee to tour the cathedral, but it is free to attend a service or visit the prayer room.
- Multilingual audio guides are available.
- Most areas of St. John's Co-Cathedral are wheelchair accessible.
- Dress respectfully to enter the cathedral; shorts and strapless shirts are prohibited, and shawls and wraps are provided at the entrance. No high-heeled shoes are allowed on the marble tombstones.
How to Get There
St. John's Co-Cathedral is a 5-minute walk from the Valletta bus station and a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal. It is in a pedestrianized area of the city, so drivers have to leave their vehicles in the designated parking area outside the city gate.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday all year round, while Sundays are reserved for services. If visiting in the peak season (July–August), opt for an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid the biggest crowds.
Art and Architecture of St. John's Co-Cathedral
Completed in 1577, the cathedral was designed mostly by Girolamo Cassar, the Maltese architect who also built the Grand Master's Palace. Inside, the marble floor is composed of around 400 decorative tombstones dedicated to prominent Knights of St. John, while the ceiling is covered in scenes from the life of John the Baptist, patron saint of the knights, by Italian artist Mattia Preti.
The cathedral also houses two works by Caravaggio: The Beheading of St. John the Baptist hangs in the oratory, and Saint Jerome Writing is displayed in the Chapel of Italy. Additional highlights include vestments in the Cathedral Museum worn by the Knights of St. John, fine Gobelin tapestries in the nave, and a monumental statue of Christ by Bolognese sculptor Alessandro Algardi, found close to the entrance.
Address: St John's Co-Cathedral, St John Street, Valletta VLT 1156, Malta
Admission: Varies
From $ 43
St Mark's Anglican Church
This historic Anglican Church in Florence, Italy has English roots — remaining one of three worship centers that form the chaplaincy of the Church of England (the other two are St. Peter’s in Siena and a growing congregation in Bologna.) Built in 1881, it is steeped in local history — part of an old Medici palace, later owned by Machiavelli, and then renovated in neb-renaissance style. It is known as a symbol of Renaissance architecture.
The church often serves the homeless community of Florence and holds mass regularly. It remains a center of Anglo-Catholic religion for the British expat community in Florence. The beautiful interior of the Anglican Church is furthermore a hub of historic art and one of the most celebrated concert venues in Florence with classical performances in music, choral singing, and opera as well as a variety of visiting performers. With only 150 seats, it is an intimate venue to experience a live concert.
Practical Info
The church is located at Via Maggio 18. To get there by walking, take the one minute walk south from the Arno River at the Ponte Santa Trinita.
Address: Via Maggio 18, Florence 50125, Italy
From $ 40
St Mark's Church
The Catholic parish church of Zagreb’s Gornji Grad (Upper Town) is one of the most distinctive buildings in the city, thanks to its brightly patterned tiled roof. Built in the 13th century, there is now little left of the church’s original construction save for a couple of windows and its ornate central doorway, a Gothic addition from the late 1370s. The statues of the Holy Family and the Apostles in the niches just inside the doorway are by Czech sculptor Ivan Parler and were added at the same time. Thanks to damage by fire, several of these statues have since been replaced by wooden reproductions.
Following the devastating earthquake of 1880, St Mark’s was rebuilt once more and its emblematic roof was added, which is adorned with the coats of arms of Zagreb, Croatia and its various regions. Despite its jewel-colored stained-glass windows, the church’s interior is not well lit, but it does have several exceptional artworks: highlights include the Pietà and the Crucifix over the altar, both by Ivan Meštrović, Croatia’s much-revered 20th-century sculptor; and a series of softly colored biblical frescoes by artist Jozo Kljaković. St Marks sits on its own cobbled square at the hub of Zagreb’s political and religious life, surrounded by the Croatian parliament buildings.
Practical Info
Trg Markov. St Mark’s is only open during Mass so check times of services to see inside. Take the funicular (5HRK) up to Gornji Grad from Tomićeva Street and walk.
Address: Trg Sv. Marka 5, Zagreb, Croatia
From $ 39
St Lorenz Church
With a lacy rose window and delicate religious statuary, the fancy Gothic façade of St Lorenz Church dominates Nuremberg’s Altstadt (Old Town) with its landmark copper-topped twin spires and began life as a Catholic church. When the Reformation came in the early 16th century, St Lorenz soon became one of the most important Lutheran churches in Bavaria and also one of the very few with its rich hoard of treasures still intact.
Construction began on the church in 1270 and lasted for more than two centuries; its interior is a mass of pale-gray marble with a net-vaulted ceiling and soaring columns, with three aisles liberally stacked with masterly artworks. Light floods in behind the choir through the delicate stained-glass windows and the pulpits gleam with gold and gilt, but of most note are the intricate sculpture of the Annunciation above the altar by 16th-century artist Veit Stoss, who also created the figure of Archangel Michael standing proud in the nave. The painted panels on the choir are the work of Michael Wolgemut, a printmaker whose most famous pupil was Albrecht Dürer.
Badly damaged during WWII bombing raids by the Allies, the church was restored and re-consecrated in 1952. Midday organ and choir recitals are often held here and tours of the towers are available.
Practical Info
Located at Lorenzer Platz 10, the church is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday from 1 to 4pm. Admission is free, but a donation of €1 is requested. A tower tour costs €4 for adults and €2 for those under 18. The site is accessible through the Altstadt (Old Town) on foot.
Address: Lorenzer Platz 1, Nuremberg, Germany
Hours: Monday-Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday from 1 to 4pm
From $ 507
St James's Park
Set between the grounds of St James’s Palace and the iconic abode to the Queen of England, Buckingham Palace; few picnic spots are as breathtakingly regal as St James’s Park, a 58-acre (23-hectare) stretch, located a short stroll from many of central London’s key tourist attractions.
As well as offering a pocket of greenery amidst the urban sprawl of Central London, the Park’s proximity to Buckingham Palace makes it a popular spot to watch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, where the uniformed palace guards change over in an elaborate march and band performance. In addition, the park’s Horse Guards Parade hosts the annual Trooping the Colour military parade to mark the Queen's official birthday, along with the Beating Retreat, a floodlit spectacular featuring marching bands from the Cavalry and Foot Guard regiments, held each June.
A number of attractions grace the park’s interior, most notable of which is the Queen Victoria Memorial, commemorating the legendary ruler’s 1901 death. The 25 meter-high monument, carved from white Carrara marble, stands at the heart of the Memorial gardens, a series of formal flowerbeds and protected landmarks designed by Sir Aston Webb. More recently, the park has become a key part of the seven-mile Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, passing through locations significant to the beloved people’s princess and in 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Floral Crown was unveiled - a floral recreation of the crown used in the Queen’s coronation ceremony, set on the north side of the lake.
Open to walkers, cyclists and dogs, the park features a restaurant, summer deck chairs and a number of refreshment stalls dotted around its many walkways.
As well as offering a pocket of greenery amidst the urban sprawl of Central London, the Park’s proximity to Buckingham Palace makes it a popular spot to watch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, where the uniformed palace guards change over in an elaborate march and band performance. In addition, the park’s Horse Guards Parade hosts the annual Trooping the Colour military parade to mark the Queen's official birthday, along with the Beating Retreat, a floodlit spectacular featuring marching bands from the Cavalry and Foot Guard regiments, held each June.
A number of attractions grace the park’s interior, most notable of which is the Queen Victoria Memorial, commemorating the legendary ruler’s 1901 death. The 25 meter-high monument, carved from white Carrara marble, stands at the heart of the Memorial gardens, a series of formal flowerbeds and protected landmarks designed by Sir Aston Webb. More recently, the park has become a key part of the seven-mile Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, passing through locations significant to the beloved people’s princess and in 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Floral Crown was unveiled - a floral recreation of the crown used in the Queen’s coronation ceremony, set on the north side of the lake.
Open to walkers, cyclists and dogs, the park features a restaurant, summer deck chairs and a number of refreshment stalls dotted around its many walkways.
Address: London, England
Hours: Open daily: 5am - 12am
From $ 19
St John Church (Sint Janskerk)
John the Baptist, patron saint of the town of Gouda, looks out from the Sint Janskerk (St John Church) and welcomes visitors that come from all over the world to see the church’s famous stained-glass windows. The large brick church, built in the Gothic style during the 15th and 16th centuries, is notable not only for its beautiful windows but also because it is the longest church in the Netherlands. The church has been placed on the UNESCO list of Dutch monuments specifically for its stunning stained-glass windows. The ‘Gouda Windows’ (Goudse Glazen) were made and installed between 1555-1571 by the brothers Dirk and Wouter Crabeth, and were spared during the Reformation and several following wars. The main theme depicted in the windows is the life of St John, although there are many biblical scenes pictured, as well as important events in Dutch history.
Another highlight of the church is a narrow passage leading from the back of the choir to a small chapel. The chapel’s stained-glass windows depicting the Passion of Christ (also from the workshop of Dirck Crabeth), were moved to St John Church in the 1930s from the Monastery of the Regulars.
Practical Info
The church is closed to visitors on Sundays and public holidays, and does charge a small admission on days it is open to the public. A free pamphlet gives basic explanations of the scenes depicted in the stained-glass windows.
Address: Achter de Kerk 16, 2801 JX, Gouda, The Netherlands, Netherlands
Hours: Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (10 a.m.–4 p.m from November–March); closed to tourists on Sundays and public holidays
Admission: €3.50 (€2 for children 5 to 12)
From $ 32
St Mark's Cathedral
Situated in the center of Korcula’s old town, and hemmed in by a web of streets, is Korcula’s St Marks Cathedral. The Gothic-Renaissance style church was completed in the 15th century at the hands of local artisans and with the help of Italian masters. The result is a façade featuring a handful of curious characters — such as a squatting Adam and Eve, and a wide-eyed elephant — and an interior filled with a collection of impressive artwork, including two paintings by Tintoretto.
Given the tight city quarters, it can be hard to grasp the cathedral’s grandness from just beyond its front doors, or even from within. With that in mind, get a better perspective — a 360-degree one, in fact — by heading up to St Mark’s cupola-topped bell tower. There, you can take in unparalleled views of the town below, coast beyond, and even islands dotting the crystal blue sea in the distance.
Practical Info
To reach the top of the bell tower, you must ascend quite a few flights of narrow, stop-light-controlled steps, so it may not be an ideal activity for little ones or those with any physical limitations. Also, a heads-up: the bell tower chimes regularly and very loudly, so prepare to be startled.
Address: Trg Sv Marka, Korcula 20260, Croatia
Admission: 20kn
From $ 64
St Martin-in-the-Fields
Standing proud over the northeast corner of London’s Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields is among the capital’s most popular churches, famed for its classical music concerts and lively church café. The Grade I-listed church has stood on the site since the 13th century, long before Trafalgar Square existed, but the current building was completed in 1726 to a design by architect James Gibb.
While its colonnaded façade and iconic clock tower are suitably grand, the real star of St Martin-in-the-Fields is its impressive roster of music concerts and recitals, which include candlelit evening performances of Handel and Mozart, plus free lunchtime concerts (weekdays at 1pm) that showcase up-and-coming composers.
Additional highlights include a series of temporary art exhibitions on display in the church gallery; the Café in the Crypt, which serves a range of well-priced meals; and the adjoining London Brass Rubbing Centre, which hosts demonstrations for kids at the church shop.
Practical Info
St Martin-in-the-Fields is located at the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, London.
Admission is free.
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ, England
Hours: Mon-Tues & Thurs-Fri 8:30am-1pm & 2-6pm, Wed 8:30am-1:15pm & 2-5pm, Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 3:30-5pm
From $ 67
St Martin's Theatre
The treasure of the London West End! St Martin's Theatre is one of the few remaining privately-owned theatres in London thanks to the Willoughby de Broke family and has staged many famous plays since its opening. It opened its doors in 1916 with the spectacular Edwardian musical comedy Houp La!, starring the now-iconic actress Gertie Millar. The St Martin's has also hosted plays penned by the likes of John Galsworthy, Frederick Lonsdale and Noel Coward, including the chilling thriller Sleuth, The Grass is Greener and The Wrong Side of the Park.
But what makes the St Martin’s so famous isn’t so much its humble yet successful beginnings; the theatre holds the record for the longest continuously running show in the world with Agatha Christies’ The Mousetrap, having exceeded 25,000 performances since opening night in 1952 - as long as HRH Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne. In fact, David Raven holds the Guinness Record of 'Most Durable Actor' for his 4575 performances as Major Metcalf. Over its ongoing 60 year run, a whopping 124 miles of shirts were ironed, 403 actors and actresses appeared in the play and over 426 tons of ice cream was sold.
The theater itself became a Grade II listed building in 1973 because of its historic interest; tremendous efforts have been made over the decades to preserve the building, including extensive refurbishment works in the early 2000s, from restorating the woodwork to hanging silk wallpaper and reupholstering the seats.
Practical Info
St Martin's Theatre is located in London’s Theatreland in Covent Garden. It is easily reachable by a dozen bus routes as well as by tube via Tottenham Court Road station (Central line), Covent Garden station (Piccadilly line) and Leicester Square (Northern line).
Address: West Street, London, England
From $ 84
St Katharine Docks
The St Katharine Docks are located in the London district of Tower Hamlets. These docks were once the commercial docks serving the north side of the River Thames east of the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. Today the docks serve as a yachting marina, and the area has been turned into an urban living and leisure area. There are public and private housing options, office buildings, a large hotel, retail shops, restaurants, pubs, and other recreational facilities.
Several commuter river boats, river ferries, and scenic river cruises pass St Katharine Docks and stop at St Katharine Pier. The area also hosts special events throughout the year. There is a food market every Friday from 11am to 3pm featuring local and international food options. Occasionally there is a cinema at sea event. The docks also host clipper races and boating festivals. St Katharine Docks is a popular area to experience an urban marine atmosphere as well as a unique setting for shopping and entertainment.
Practical Info
St Katharine Docks are located on the north bank of the River Thames and just east of the Tower Bridge. The closest underground stations are Tower Hill, Bank, and Liverpool Street. Check with specific retailers and restaurants for opening times.
Address: 50 St Katharine's Way, London, United Kingdom E1W 1LA, England
From $ 13
St John's Basilica
A visit to St. John’s Basilica allows a glimpse into the history of this ancient site, built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the sixth century. It is believed that the church sits on the burial grounds of John the Apostle and was designed in the shape of a cross. At its completion, it was covered by six domes, with many of the walls presumably once covered in frescoes.
As nearby Ephesus began to lose significance, the basilica was converted into a mosque, hit by an earthquake and completely destroyed by a Mongol army in 1402. All that remains today are various bricks and stones alongside the marble columns that once held up the structure, but recent restoration gives visitors the context to visualize and understand its former status and significance.
Many combine their visit with a walk to the nearby Ayasuluk Fortress atop Ayasuluk Hill, where St John is said to have written his gospel. A climb up offers great views of the surrounding area.
Practical Info
The Basilica of St. John is located about two miles from the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and it is within walking distance from the nearby town of Selçuk. The site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the winter and until 6:30 p.m. in the summer. Admission costs 5 Turkish Lira.
Address: Selçuk & Ephesus, Turkey
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in winter, until 6:30 p.m. in summer
Admission: 5 Turkish Lira
From $ 36
St Lauren's Church (Sint Laurenskerk)
St. Lauren’s Church, or The Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, is the primary cathedral of Rotterdam, and the only remaining building of medieval times in the city. The late-Gothic structure was built between 1449 and 1525, originally consecrated as a Catholic cathedral before being converted to a Protestant place of worship following the Reformation in 1572. Much of the ornate decoration from the interior was removed at this time.
For a time, from 1619 to 1642, the church was topped with a wooden spire designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, but this was demolished due to rot. The next idea was to top the tower with a stone pinnacle, but this caused the tower to tilt, requiring new piles to be added under the foundation. Much of the remaining interior decoration was removed during the Batavian Revolution of 1795.
Sint-Laurenskerk was heavily damaged in the German bombing of May 14, 1940, the images of which still symbolize the hardship the city endured during this period. After the bombing, there was controversy over whether to keep or demolish the church, and in the end, a restoration was agreed upon.
One of the main attractions of the Sint-Laurenskerk is the Carillon of bells, which were originally installed in 1661 as a set of 36 designed by F. Hemony. More were later added during the post-war renovation, and there are now 49.
Practical Info
The Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk is open from Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 5pm. The church is closed on Sunday and Monday except for church services. Admission is €1 for adults, with children up to age 12 free. Admission for the exhibit is €5 for adults, €3.50 for children 13-18, and free for children to 12 years. You can access the museum via Tram 21 (Blaak stop) or Metro Beurs or Blaak.
Address: Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk Grotekerkplein 15, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-5pm, Closed Sunday & Mon except for church services
Admission: Admissions Varies on Activity
From $ 13
St Jacob's Church (St Jakobskirche)
A short stroll from Rothenburg’s main square, the striking St Jacob's Church (St Jakobskirche) is among Germany’s most impressive medieval churches, dating back to 1485. An important spiritual center and place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, St Jacob's Church contains a number of significant relics, most notably the Altar of the Holy Blood, an early 16th-century wood carving by Tilman Riemenschneider, which represents the Last Supper and includes a glass vial, allegedly containing a drop of Christ’s blood.
St Jacob's is also architecturally impressive, with its grand Gothic towers looming over the town and highlights including the striking Twelve Apostles Altar and the East Choir, where the dazzling stained glass windows date back more than 700 years.
Practical Info
St Jacob's Church (St Jakobskirche) is located in Rothenburg ob der Tauber on Germany’s Romantic Road and is open between April- October from 9am to 5pm, and November-March from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.
Address: Klostergasse 15, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Hours: Open April- October 9am to 5pm, November-March 10am to 4pm
From $ 62
St Magnus Cathedral
Towering over the narrow streets of Kirkwall in all its red sandstone glory, St Magnus Cathedral is a testament to the Vikings’ ability to create real beauty amid all that pillaging and plundering.
Commissioned by viking Earl Rögnvald in 1137 to honor his saintly uncle, Magnus Erlendsson, it took over 300 years for St Magnus Cathedral to become the beauty we see today, all Romanesque flourishes and heavy Norman influences.
The only medieval cathedral in Scotland, look out for the hidden dungeon known as Marwick’s Hole, where hundreds of people were imprisoned over the years before being hanged for witchcraft. Today, though, the northern cathedral is much more benign. Come for a Sunday service to listen to the organ being played beautifully, and try to visit the upper tower for 360-degree views of Kirkwall and the sea beyond.
Practical Info
On Broad Street in Kirkwall, entrance to the cathedral is free and its doors are open from morning until 6 p.m. from April to September and until 5 p.m. for the rest of the year.
Address: Broad Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland
Hours: April-September until 6 p.m.
October - March: until 5 p.m.
From $ 78
St John Lateran's Basilica
The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the most important of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and is seat of the bishop of Rome: the Pope. One of the most important Catholic churches in the world, the archbasilica is decorated with rich mosaics, Cosmatesque floors, and 12 baroque statues of the apostles.
The Basics
The Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Sts. John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran is the cathedral of Rome. More commonly known as the Basilica of St. John Lateran, it is named for its location at the Lateran Palace. Constantine, the first Christian emperor, donated the property to the church. It became the main papal residence and the venue for consecration of popes for centuries. Today, visitors can see the six papal tombs and larger-than-life-size statues of the Twelve Apostles.
St. John Lateran is best visited with a guide as part of a Christian Rome tour to be able to fully appreciate its historical and religious importance. Many small-group tours also include visits of the Vatican City’s Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen if joining a walking tour of Rome, as there is a lot of ground to cover.
- Catholic churches have a strict dress code that requires knees and shoulders to be covered.
- Photography without flash is permitted inside the church.
- The basilica is fully accessible to wheelchairs or strollers via ramps inside and outside.
How to Get There
The Basilica of St. John Lateran is located at the southern edge of the city center, about a 5-minute walk from the San Giovanni Metro Station on Line A.
When to Get There
Italy's capital city is one of the most visited destinations in Europe, and its holy sites, such as Saint John Lateran, are especially crowded during the Catholic holidays and Jubilee years. Try to schedule your tour outside of these popular times to visit.
The Holy Stairs
St. John Lateran is also the site of the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta)—said to have been climbed by Jesus Christ to reach the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem and brought to Rome in the fourth century. Today, they lead to the Sancta Sanctorum, a chapel that contains some of the holiest relics in Christian history, though pilgrims today climb a nearby replica, as the original stairs are closed to visitors.
Address: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome, Italy
From $ 31
St Mark's Basilica (Basilica of San Marco)
St. Mark’s Basilica is the crown jewel of Venice, one of the most sumptuous cities in the western world. This ornate cathedral blends elements of Gothic, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Renaissance architecture—testimony to the city’s political and economic dominance that spanned centuries. Topped by soaring domes and with an interior of astonishing golden mosaics, the church is so opulent it is known as the Chiesa d’Oro, or the Golden Church. Construction began in 828, when the body of St. Mark was smuggled back to Venice from Alexandria; the church has been rebuilt, expanded, and delicately restored over the centuries.
The Basics
St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous monument in Venice and hosts millions of visitors each year, so there are often long lines to enter. To avoid the crowds and wait times, book a skip-the-line tour, or opt for an after-hours tour for private evening access. While the exterior is visited on just about every city sightseeing tour, a guided tour is the best way to experience the cathedral, given the complexity of its art and architecture. A private or small-group evening tour led by an expert tour guide offers a unique and intimate experience, and the basilica is located on St. Mark’s Square, so you can easily combine a basilica tour with a gondola ride and a Doge’s Palace tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Like most churches in Italy, St. Mark’s Basilica requires visitors to wear appropriate clothing—no exposed shoulders, knees, or midriffs.
- Large bags are not permitted in the basilica. Deposit any luggage at Ateneo di San Basso (in Piazzetta dei Leoncini).
How to Get There
The cathedral is on the eastern end of the Piazza San Marco, adjacent to the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) along the Grand Canal. The nearest vaporetto (ferry) stop is San Marco–San Zaccaria.
When to Get There
The basilica is most crowded at midday, so begin or end your Venice tour with a morning or late-afternoon visit. Summer is the most popular time of year to visit, while Venice is relatively quiet from November through February (aside from the Christmas and New Year holidays, and during Carnival).
The Pala d’Oro
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is famous for Michelangelo's “Pietà” and Florence’s Duomo is known for Brunelleschi’s dome, but St. Mark’s Basilica’s greatest treasure—the stunning Pala d'Oro—dates back centuries before either of those masterpieces. This glittering gold and enamel altarpiece from AD 976 is considered one of the most important, refined examples of Byzantine enamel in the world.
Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice 30124, Italy
Hours: Mon - Sat 9:45am-5:00pm, Sun and holidays 2pm-4:30pm
Admission: Free
From $ 3
St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco)
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), often referred to as “the drawing room of Europe,” is one of the most famous squares in Italy. The geographic and cultural heart of Venice—with St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace at one end, the campanile in the center, and the colonnaded arcade topped by the Procuratie palaces lining three sides—this elegant piazza is also steeped in history. Settle in at one of the many coveted café tables and watch tourists (and pigeons) pose for photos while you sip a Bellini and soak in the square’s Renaissance splendor.
The Basics
Located at the center of Venice, St. Mark’s Square is the perfect hub around which to plan your walking tour of Venice. It is just steps from the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and its famous Bridge of Sighs, the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal, and the Riva walk along the waterfront. The piazza is home to a number of palaces and sculptures by the Renaissance sculptor and architect Sansovino, so a private or small-group guided tour is key to fully appreciating its rich Venetian Gothic art and architecture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You can climb to the top of the square’s clock tower, but prebook skip-the-line access to avoid a long wait.
- Kids love to feed and chase the pigeons that flock to the center of this family-friendly piazza.
- The main square connects to the smaller piazzetta square, which is flanked by the Doge’s Palace and the St. Mark’s library (Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana), and opens out onto the Grand Canal.
- St. Mark’s Square is the focal point of Venice’s lavish Carnival celebrations every February.
- Although often crowded, the flat square is easily accessible for strollers and those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
St. Mark’s Square is located along Venice’s Grand Canal. The nearest vaporetto (ferry) stop is San Marco–San Zaccaria.
When to Get There
St. Mark’s Square is an open-air square, so the area is best enjoyed during the milder months of the year. Summer brings the largest crowds to the piazza, but overall, Venice is relatively quiet from November through February.
Flooding at St. Mark’s Square
Venice sits at sea level on the Adriatic, so when tides are especially high during winter, the city is often flooded. St. Mark’s Square is one of the lowest parts of the city center, and when acqua alta, or high water, hits, Venice sets up elevated walkways so locals and visitors can cross the piazza without getting wet.
Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice 31024, Italy
Hours: Open daily 24hrs
Admission: Free
From $ 5
St Mary's Basilica (Mariacki)
The lop-sided towers of the majestic St Mary’s Basilica dominate the northeast corner of Krakow’s lively central square, the Rynek Główny. A church has graced this spot since medieval times, but this incarnation was built of red-brick in Gothic style and consecrated in 1320 after the original was destroyed by invading Tartars in the 13th century. The northern tower was raised to 263 feet (80 meters) and became the city’s watchtower.
The interior is handsomely decorated with a star-spangled blue ceiling, heavy Gothic ornamentation and stained-glass windows that shaft sunlight into patterns in the floor. The showpiece is the magnificent carved altar, constructed with wood by the German craftsman Veit Stoss in 1489; it took him 12 long years to finish his creation, which measures 47 feet (13 meters) across and is carved with 200 biblical figures. The altar is opened daily at 11:50 a.m. to reveal gilded scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
St Mary’s Basilica is most famous for the much-loved bugle call that rings out across the city on the hour, every hour, played by a trumpeter standing at the top of the structure’s taller, northern tower.
Practical Info
St Mary’s Basilica is located at Plac Mariacki 5, and it is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. and from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sundays. Admission costs 10PLN, and concessions cost 5PLN.
Address: Plac Mariacki 5, Krakow 31-042, Poland
Admission: 10PLN
From $ 3
St John's Cathedral (Katedra Sw Jana)
This stunning Gothic cathedral in the heart of Warsaw's Old Town is one of the most interesting historical landmarks. Built in the 14th century, St John's Cathedral - or Katedra Sw Jana - is one of the oldest churches in all of Poland, but was completely destroyed during World War II during the Polish Uprising. However, like much of the Old Town, it was reconstructed after the war, true to its original architecture.
In addition to being the site of many historical events, such as the coronation of the last Polish king, the cathedral also houses the beautiful red marble tombs of many Mazowian dukes, and its crypt is the resting place of many celebrated Poles such as Nobel Prize-winning author Henryk Sienklewicz. The Gothic architecture and artwork is some of the most impressive in Warsaw, and is not to be missed.
Practical Info
In the center of Old Town, getting to St. John's couldn't be easier. The 12, 13, 26, and 32 trams will leave you off right next to it at the Stare Miasto stop.
While the cathedral is open daily, they do not allow tourists to enter during mass, so be sure to check the mass schedule on the website when planning your visit.
Address: Świętojańska 8, Warsaw 00-278, Poland
Hours: Open Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 41
St Isaac's Cathedral
With its gigantic golden dome coated with over 220 pounds of gold and an impressive red granite portico, St Isaac’s Cathedral looks more like a palace than a cathedral, and it’s no surprise that the eye-catching masterpiece is among St. Petersburg’s most visited attractions. Commissioned by Tsar Alexander I in 1818 to mark the defeat of Napoleon, the magnificent cathedral took over 40 years to build and still ranks among the largest domed cathedrals in the world, with a capacity for up to 14,000 worshippers.
Set on the banks of the Neva River, the cathedral’s extravagant design was the work of French architect Auguste de Montferrand, blending Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical elements, and sparing no expenses. The cathedral interiors are equally lavish, featuring painstakingly sculpted reliefs, grand bronze doors and a colonnaded iconostasis adorned with semiprecious gems.
Today, the cathedral is only occasionally used for worship, instead serving as a museum and housing an impressive collection of 19th-century fine art and mosaics. For many visitors, the highlight is climbing the 300 steps to the cathedral's colonnade, from where the views expand over the city.
Practical Info
St Isaac’s Cathedral is located on Isaakievskaya pl in central St. Petersburg and can be reached on foot from the Neva River waterfront. The cathedral is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. (except for the last Monday of the month), with last entry at 6 p.m. Admission to the colonnade and museum costs R300 for adults. The colonnade is also open until 11 p.m. during the summer months.
Address: Исаакиевская пл., 4, St. Petersburg, Russia
Hours: Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. (except for the last Monday of the month), with last entry at 6 p.m. The colonnade is also open until 11 p.m. during the summer months.
Admission: Admission to the colonnade and museum costs R300 for adults
From $ 7