Surprisingly the Queue for the Basilica di San Marco moves quickly.
the mosaics over the entrance doors are just a hint of what awaits inside.
Climb the steps just to the right of the entrance, it is worth paying the €5 at the top to enter the museum and the upper parts of the Basilica.
From the museum you can go out onto the roof terrace.
From here a wonderful view overlooking St Marks Square.
For one hour each day. between 11.30 and 12.30 the golden mosaics are iluminated.
The Horses of Saint Mark, also known as the Triumphal Quadriga.
Now the Symbol of Venice the horses were taken from Constantinople in 1204
replicas stand on the facade of the Basilica San Marco with the originals on show in the Basilica's museum.
The dome with the 12 Apostles.
In the afternoon we explore the Northern half of Castello, towards Fondamenta Nuove.
Some of the venetian architecture.
Commercial boats use the Rio Mendicanti.
Returning to The Riva degli Schiavoni the wide quayside on the Bacino San Marco we see our first cruise ship.
The cruise terminal is at the far end of the Canale della Giudecca, tugs help the cruise liner make her way towards the Lido and the open sea.
Cafe Florian in St Marks Square, is one of three traditional pavement cafes, each having their own musicians.
All images © Ian Foster / fozimage