Know About St. Mark's Basilica Horses
The St. Mark's Basilica Horses are a group of four ancient bronze horses, believed to date back to classical antiquity. The horses were originally brought to Constantinople from Greece, where they adorned the Hippodrome, the ancient chariot racing track. After the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the horses were taken to Venice as spoils of war and placed on the facade of St. Mark's Basilica, where they remain today. The horses are thought to have symbolic significance, representing either the sun god Helios or the four evangelists of the Christian faith.
Suggested Reads: Inside St. Mark's Basilica
The architecture of the St. Mark's Basilica Horses is a prime example of the Byzantine style. The horses were originally mounted on the top of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, and their architecture and design are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient Greek and Roman cultures. The horses are made of bronze, and they have intricate details that are indicative of their age and historical significance.
The horses were brought to Venice in the 13th century, and they were placed on top of St. Mark's Basilica as a symbol of Venetian power and prestige. The horses have been restored and renovated several times over the centuries, but their original architecture and design have remained intact. Today, the St. Mark's Basilica Horses are considered to be one of the most important examples of Byzantine art and architecture in the world.
Also Read: St. Mark's Basilica Architecture
The St. Mark's Basilica Horses are significant for their historical and cultural value. They are among the oldest and finest examples of Byzantine bronze sculptures in the world. Originally, the horses were part of a quadriga or four-horse chariot that adorned the Hippodrome in Constantinople. After being looted by the Venetians during the Fourth Crusade, the horses were brought to Venice and placed on the facade of St. Mark's Basilica, where they remained for centuries. Today, the original horses are on display inside the basilica, while replicas adorn the exterior. The horses have become a symbol of Venice and are a testament to the city's rich artistic and cultural heritage.
Do Checkout: Paintings At St. Mark's Basilica
The history of St. Mark's Basilica Horses is a long and fascinating one, spanning many centuries and cultures. These four magnificent bronze sculptures, which depict horses in different poses, have a rich and complex history. Originally created in the 4th century BCE, the St. Mark's Basilica Horses were believed to have been taken from the Greek city of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. They were then installed on the facade of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy in the 13th century, where they remained until the early 19th century.
Throughout the centuries, the St. Mark's Basilica Horses have been subject to various restorations and renovations. In the early 17th century, they were removed from the facade of the basilica and placed inside the church to protect them from damage caused by weather and pollution. In the early 19th century, they were removed again, this time by Napoleon's troops, who took them to Paris as spoils of war. The St. Mark's Basilica Horses were eventually returned to Venice in the mid-19th century, where they were placed back on the facade of the basilica. Today, the horses are considered one of the most important works of art in Venice, and a symbol of the city's long and complex history.
Recommended Reads: History Of St. Mark's Basilica
Facts about St. Mark's Basilica Horses
- The horses are believed to have been made in the 4th century BC in Greece, and were later taken by the Romans as spoils of war.
- They were originally located at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, where they stood atop a triumphal arch.
- In 1204, during the Fourth Crusade, the horses were looted from Constantinople by Venetian forces and brought to Venice as part of the spoils of war.
- The horses were placed on the façade of St. Mark's Basilica in the 13th century, where they remained until the 1980s when they were replaced with replicas due to their deteriorating condition.
- The original horses are now housed in the museum of St. Mark's Basilica, while the replicas can be seen on the façade of the basilica.
- The horses are made of copper, and were originally coated in gold leaf.
- Each horse is approximately 2.3 meters tall and 2.7 meters long.
- The horses have been the subject of numerous thefts and attempted thefts over the years, and are now closely guarded and protected.
- The horses have become an important symbol of Venice and are frequently used in art, literature, and popular culture.
- The St. Mark's Basilica Horses have also inspired numerous replicas and imitations, including a set of bronze replicas that were gifted to the United States by Italy in 1981 and now stand outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Must Read: St. Mark's Basilica Facts
FAQ's
What are the St. Mark's Basilica Horses?
St. Mark's Basilica Horses are a set of four bronze horse statues that stand atop the facade of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy.
What is the best time to visit St. Mark's Basilica?
The best time to visit St. Mark's Basilica in Venice is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These times are generally less crowded, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and serenity of the basilica. Avoid peak tourist hours, especially midday, when large crowds tend to gather, leading to long queues and limited access. By planning your visit during off-peak hours, you can enjoy a more peaceful and immersive experience in this stunning architectural masterpiece.
What is the history of St. Mark's Basilica Horses?
The history of St. Mark's Basilica Horses dates back to the 4th century, when they were made in Greece. The horses were later taken to Constantinople, where they were placed on the Hippodrome. In the 13th century, the horses were taken to Venice by the Doge Enrico Dandolo after the Fourth Crusade and were placed on the facade of St. Mark's Basilica.
Is there a dress code in St. Mark's Basilica?
Yes, there is a dress code in St. Mark's Basilica. As a place of worship, visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and mini-skirts are not permitted. Additionally, hats or head coverings should be removed before entering the basilica.
How were the St. Mark's Basilica Horses made?
The St. Mark's Basilica Horses were made using the lost-wax casting technique, which involves creating a wax model of the desired sculpture and then casting it in bronze.
Are the St. Mark's Basilica Horses original?
The current horses on the facade of St. Mark's Basilica are not the original ones. The original horses were taken to Paris by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797 and later returned to Venice in 1815. They were then moved inside the basilica and replaced with replicas.
Why are the St. Mark's Basilica Horses significant?
The St. Mark's Basilica Horses are significant because of their historical and artistic value. They are considered one of the finest examples of ancient Greek bronze sculpture, and their presence on the facade of St. Mark's Basilica is a symbol of Venice's power and wealth during the medieval period.
Do Checkout: Exhibitions at Doge's Palace
Can visitors see the St. Mark's Basilica Horses up close?
While visitors cannot get up close to the St. Mark's Basilica Horses on the facade of the basilica, they can see the original horses that were taken to Paris and later returned to Venice inside the basilica.
What is the symbolism behind the St. Mark's Basilica Horses?
The symbolism behind the St. Mark's Basilica Horses is associated with victory, power, and wealth. In ancient Greece, horses were considered symbols of victory, and their placement on the facade of St. Mark's Basilica is a reflection of Venice's power and wealth during the medieval period.
Inside St. Mark's Basilica