Basilica of Saint Mark Evangelist (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Basilica of Saint Mark Evangelist?
What makes it 62% Kids-Friendly: Kids enter free and can spot animals in frescoes, yet narrow cells require hush, no hands-on exhibits exist, and boredom may rise after 30 min.
Positives:
- Free entry for children: Kids under 17 enter the museum free with reservation and under 6 always free.
- Compact layout: The church and cloister are close together, so families can move between areas easily.
Challenges:
- Quiet, narrow spaces: Corridors and cells are narrow and require calm behavior from children.
- No baby facilities: The basilica has no changing tables or nursing rooms; bring a portable mat if needed.
What is Basilica of Saint Mark Evangelist?
- A 15th-century Dominican church in Florence’s San Marco district, integral to the adjacent monastic complex
- Interiors showcase extensive fresco cycles by Fra Angelico and his workshop, uniting devotional art with monastic architecture
- A late Neoclassical façade conceals a slender nave, vaulted ceilings and a historic pipe organ set within sculpted marble ornamentation
What is so special about Basilica of Saint Mark Evangelist for with kids?
- Children under 6 enter free and 6–17 free with reservation.
- Compact church and cloister let families explore without long walks.
- Interactive app and scavenger hunt keep kids engaged.
- Arcaded cloister offers open space for safe play.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to explore the church, cloister and kids' scavenger hunt at a relaxed pace.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Basilica of Saint Mark Evangelist
Admire the frescoed interiors:
See the elaborate frescoes on walls and ceiling in the main church space.
Tip: Point out animal and saint figures to children as you walk slowly through.
Explore the Cloister of Sant’Antonino:
Walk under the arcades decorated with 16th-century fresco fragments.
Tip: Let kids spot faded angel figures and run safely in the open cloister area.
Join a fresco scavenger hunt:
Challenge kids to find specific animals or symbols in the frescoes.
Tip: Prepare a simple list (e.g., donkey, dove) to keep them engaged cell to cell.
Use the Museo San Marco Firenze app:
Access free multimedia content on frescoed cells, refectories and chapter hall.
Tip: Download before arrival and let kids tap through interactive features.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Basilica of Saint Mark Evangelist
- Reserve free kids' tickets in advance: Book children’s museum reservations online before you arrive to guarantee entry.
- Visit outside peak hours: Arrive at opening time or early afternoon to avoid tour group crowds.
Reviews of Basilica of Saint Mark Evangelist
Agusy a
I went to see relic of mummified st antonius and this bit of cathedral is being renovated so there was no access to it. Waste of time
Jamie O'Donnell
It is a very beautiful ornate church. Visiting is welcome with free entry. The church is not a museum, so be aware of and respectful of parishioners who may be praying and that masses occur.
Brad
The Basilica di San Marco includes a church, convent and cloister. The convent and cloister form the Museo di San Marco which required ticket purchase to enter and visit. However, the church itself has free access. Church history dates back to the 12th-century. However, the facade you see upon arrival is 18th-century Baroque. Within, visitors are treated to decorative single nave structure with 1...
Daniel Sullivan
Nice church. On a very hot a humid day the altar server or monk refused to let us use the fans to cool down a bit.
Eudoxio Junior
Beautiful organ at the church altar! I was very impressed when I saw the altar. It is so beautiful and there is a wonderful organ there. The church is interesting too. There are many beautiful paintings in its walls.
When is the best time to visit Basilica of Saint Mark Evangelist (Florence, Italy)?
Visit early morning in summer for cooler temperatures and shaded cloister, or on weekdays in spring for fewer crowds.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Church entry | EUR 0 |
| Adult museum tickets | EUR 16 |
| Kids' museum reservations | EUR 0 |
| App download | EUR 0 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 16 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Basilica of Saint Mark Evangelist
Address: Piazza San Marco, 1, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Basilica of Saint Mark Evangelist (Florence)?
About Basilica of Saint Mark Evangelist
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official Website10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities