Basilica of Saint Mark

Saint Mark, Basilica of, cathedral in Venice, Italy, named for the city's patron saint. Originally Romanesque, it became an outstanding example of Byzantine architecture through alterations made from the 12th century on. It is built in the form of a Greek cross surmounted by 5 large domes (1 in the center, the others on the 4 arms of the cross). The richly constructed and sculptured west façade, facing the Piazza San Marco, has Gothic additions. Its famous 4 bronze horses were taken from Constantinople in 1204.