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St. Mark's Basilica is a structure of mingled Byzantine and Western style,
built from 1063 to 1073 to shelter the tomb of the Evangelist Mark. Despite the
great variety of styles and (Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance),
the outcome is a unified and harmonious ensemble. The rich decoration of marbles
and mosaics on gilded backgrounds is magnificent and has earned the basilica the
name of the golden church (Chiesa d'Oro).
The facade is pierced by five large doorways adorned with variegated marbles
and sculptures. The central doorway has lovely 13C-14C sculptures on the
archivolt and recessed arches, and above are copies of four famous Bronze Horses.
The doors have lovely Byzantine bronze panels.
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