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Located in the heart of Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. With its stunning architecture and rich history, it’s no wonder that changes are being implemented to enhance the visitor experience, especially as the summer tourist season approaches. Starting this July, a new ticketing system known as the ‘Biglietto Margherita’ will be introduced to streamline entry and manage the influx of tourists.
Understanding the Biglietto Margherita
Announced by Bruno Barel, the first procurator of St. Mark’s, the Biglietto Margherita is designed to foster a sense of belonging among visitors. It aims to ensure that everyone feels that the basilica is a home away from home, while also contributing to the preservation of this magnificent structure. The ticket price will increase from €6 to €10, and now, tickets must be booked online with a nominal name attached.
One of the perks of this ticket is that it grants free access to other notable sites, including the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello, the Sacristy of the Basilica of Salute, and the Diocesan Museum’s Picture Gallery. The fee hike is aimed at supporting other parishes in Venice, with plans for many to offer free entry in the future, as currently, 21 out of 40 parishes charge for admission.
New pricing structure and benefits
While the ticket price has increased, additional fees will apply to certain attractions. The famous Golden Pall, for instance, will now cost €20 instead of €12, while entrance to the museum will rise from €15 to €20. A combo ticket for both experiences will now be priced at €30, an increase from the previous €20.
Tour operators will benefit from new arrangements as well, with the ability to bring groups of up to 25 people for a six-month booking window, rather than the previous three. Evening visits to the basilica will now be priced at €50 for groups of up to 30, with the overall cost for these exclusive tours increasing to €1,500 from €700. Additionally, the entrance fee for the Campanile di San Marco will see a minor increase from €12 to €15.
Visitor guidelines and capacity changes
The basilica currently accommodates about 4,200 visitors daily, but this will rise to 5,200 under the new system, which is expected to expedite entry. This new ticketing approach aims to minimize waiting times, enhance safety measures, and prevent any potential ticket reselling issues.
Families visiting with children will find some good news; kids up to 10 years old can enter for free, a change from the previous cutoff at age 6. School groups will also benefit, paying only €3 per student, making it more accessible for educational trips. These changes reflect a commitment to welcoming a diverse range of visitors while ensuring the basilica remains a cherished space for everyone.
Future considerations and community involvement
In addition to the new ticketing policies, discussions are underway regarding the potential for hiring inmates in semi-liberty from Venice’s male prison to assist with visitor services. This initiative could help provide valuable work experience while fostering community ties and support for rehabilitation.
As you prepare for your visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, keep these updates in mind. The combination of a rich historical experience and modernized access offers a unique opportunity to appreciate one of Venice’s most treasured sites while contributing to its ongoing legacy.