Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato (Basilica of Sts. Mary and Donatus), Venice

Famous for its 12th-century Byzantine mosaic floor, this basilica is believed to house the relics of Saint Donatus of Arezzo, as well as a number of large bones behind the altar said to belong to a dragon slain by the saint.

The church itself is one of the oldest in the Venetian lagoon, originally constructed in the 7th century and known to have undergone reconstruction in the 9th century and in 1040 AD (although subsequent renovations may have taken place due to Venice's common issues with water damage and other challenges).

Taking just a few minutes to appreciate both its interior and exterior, it is certainly worth a visit, especially for its impressive colonnaded facade on the eastern side facing a canal. Inside, you'll find a remarkable glass mosaic along with floor mosaics made from precious stones such as porphyry and serpentine, which are among the most impressive of their kind in Venice and possibly beyond.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and JB.

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Sight Name: Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato (Basilica of Sts. Mary and Donatus)
Sight Location: Venice, Italy (See walking tours in Venice)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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