ST. MARK'S, Cathedral - Interior

And now you've finally gone inside St. Mark's Cathedral. Find a quiet corner, perhaps by moving away from the entrance. You'll immediately feel like the lighting was recently redone to enhance the unique sparkle of this cathedral, where it seems to float between the gold mosaics and colors of the antique marble.

Before you start moving around, slowly get used to the volumes and lights, and begin to familiarize yourself with the unusual structure of this church, where typical Venetian and Western motifs blend with elements of oriental architecture, including Byzantine and also Arab styles. Under the shiny mosaics, you can discern the rounded shape of the powerful arches supported by sturdy pillars. Halfway up, also note the contrast with the thin balustrades of the matroneo, which is the balcony that was once reserved for women.

Keep in mind that the most ancient mosaics are those within the five domes: here the figures are in Byzantine style and seem to float in a golden ocean; the most valuable mosaics are those of the Pentecost dome, which is the first at the beginning of the central nave. You'll recognize the Apostles preaching, inspired by rays of light coming from a dove in the center of the dome, which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

Now pause the audio and go to the Baptistery....