ST MARK THE EVANGELIST
St. Mark the Evangelist (Feast Day: April 25th) is the author of the Gospel of Mark and is one of the 70 Apostles. He was the first Bishop of the Church in Alexandria, was known for his ascetic nature, and accompanied St. Paul and St. Barnabas on their journeys. St. Mark’s relics are in Venice, but in 1968, the Pope of Rome returned one relic to the Church in Egypt.
LOCATION
St. Mark the Evangelist’s relics are in St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy.
Venice is small and St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the main tourist destinations, so it is easy to find. Notice that the train station is in the top left corner of the map. If you come from the mainland, that is where you will debark from, and it is the basis of this guide.
Make your way to Rialto Bridge, which is the most famous bridge in Venice. After you cross it, head south towards Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s square). Once there, you will see the Basilica in all its glory.
Once there, you will see the Church (as depicted above). Enter it and head to the main altar. St. Mark’s relics are beneath the altar, so you will have to pass security and enter a queue to see them.
When you near the altar, you will be able to see the sarcophagus up close with St. Mark’s name inscribed on it (Marcus).
Venice and its lagoons have the relics of many saints including St. Lucia, St. Zacharias, St. Athanasius, St. Barbara the Great Martyr, and St. Donatus, among others. If you wish to venerate the relics of these saints, make sure to plan for it, and allow for at least 3 days in Venice. One or two days to visit the Lagoons, and at least one day to visit the main island.
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