Basilica dei Santa Maria e Donato - Murano

The Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato was founded in the 7th or the 10th Century, depending on which historians you believe. The current church was finished in 1141, and its Byzantine interior is reminiscent of the Basilica di San Marco in Venice with its dome of gold glass mosaic and its elaborately inlaid floor. This is one of the most interesting churches in the Venetian lagoon (along with the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello, another must-see island on any Venetian Lagoon itinerary).

Important: The Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato is open only in the mornings and late afternoons on weekdays and in the late afternoon on Sunday, so don't schedule your visit for lunchtime. Sometimes there's a small admission charge and sometimes you can get in free (depending on the season), but if nobody is on hand to sell you a ticket, we suggest leaving a small donation to help with the basilica's upkeep.

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