Low angle view of the facade of the famous Saint Mark's Cathedral (Basilica di San Marco), lit by the sun at sunset during the golden hour, as seen from Saint Mark's Square, UNESCO World Heritage Site - Venice - Veneto - Italy. - stock photo

Picture shows a low angle view of the western facade of the famous Saint Mark's Cathedral of Venice, as seen from Saint Mark's Square at sunset, during the golden hour. Built originaly in 828 and reconstructed in 976-1094, with further modifications, it mixes the Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque styles. It was the former chapel of the Doge before becoming the episcopal seat of the Patriarch of Venice in 1807. The basilica is dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist, the patron saint of the city, and houses its relics. The picture was taken at the time of a moody sky, with clouds behind the cathedral but sunlight on the other side, giving a strong contrast and a dramatic effect on the scene. The basilica is classified as an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, as part of the inscription of Venice and its lagoon.