La Basilica apre le porte ai giovani: visite gratuite per gli studenti veneti

The goal for the first year is to involve approximately 5,000 students from the region. And the program is designed to help schools and families with the costs associated with traveling to the city. The trip to Venice will be sponsored by 13 cooperative credit unions in the Veneto region, which will provide the necessary funds for transportation from the schools to the Lagoon. Guided tours of the Basilica will also be free of charge, thanks to the collaboration of specialized guides from the Diocese—coordinated by the Offices for the Pastoral Care of Culture and Tourism, the Association of Certified Tour Guides of Veneto, the Association of Tour Guides of Venice, and tour operators affiliated with the Federation of Organized Tourism. “We use the term ‘pastoral guides’ to distinguish them from guides in the strict sense of the word—those who are professionally licensed,” Alberto Peratoner, director of the offices responsible for welcoming visitors and pilgrims, was keen to point out. “Ours are volunteers who have undergone extensive training in iconography and sacred art. The Patriarchate’s contribution consists in revealing the source of such beauty. It is about letting the images speak and illustrating the Truth of humanity.” The 18 Venetian institutions involved will also play an important role by opening the doors to their premises. For young people with disabilities who cannot reach the Basilica on foot, a free water transport service provided by the City will also be available. For everyone else, however, the journey to St. Mark’s will become an integral part of the experience: students will be invited to walk through the narrow streets and squares, thus coming into direct contact with Venice’s unique urban landscape.

“If we look at the history of humanity,” commented Patriarch Francesco Moraglia, “we see that it is made up of journeys, of men and women who have always crossed spaces. And the inner journey, the journey of culture, or ‘connecting with’ and forming an empathetic relationship with a work of art—especially in the age of AI— means education.” Addressing the group of young people present, he then emphasized: “The journey, dear young people, takes you beyond yourselves, while beauty leads us to be amazed.” The day—with tours available Monday through Friday—will follow a precise schedule, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Sant’Apollonia witha welcome for the classes and the screening of a short video. Afterward, accompanied by guides, the students will head to the Basilica, and following a break for a packed lunch, they’ll have the opportunity to learn about one of the participating institutions selected for the project. The list is extensive: from Ca’ Farsetti and Ca’ Loredan, the City Hall, to Ca’ Corner, the “home” of the Metropolitan City. From the Ateneo Veneto to the Palazzo dei Dieci Savi—where the Lagoon Authority and the Interregional Superintendency for Public Works are based—to the Port, the Marciana National Library, Ca’ Giustinian, home to the Biennale, the National Research Council (CNR), the Giorgio Cini Foundation and the Querini Stampalia Foundation, the Naval History Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum of Venice. “We can estimate that transportation costs will range between 150,000 and 200,000 euros, funded by the banks,” explained Barel. “Our investment, however, considering admission to the Basilica, the guides, lunch, and the initiative’s T-shirts—which will be awarded as prizes to some students—amounts to several tens of thousands of euros.” Reservations are already open, and schools can make arrangements through the dedicated platform available at www.basilicasanmarco.it/i-viaggi-della-bellezza/. The initiative is sponsored by the Region, the City, and the Regional School Office, with support from the Superintendency.“What could be more universal than beauty? Our young people today have everything and are hyperconnected to the world, but in reality, they have nothing. Taking them to certain places,” said Mayor Simone Venturini, “allows themto become passionate and to be amazed.”

Among the Procuratoria’s upcoming events is the opening of St. Mark’s bell tower to people with limited mobility. From October 10 to 18, 2026, thanks to a temporary modification, even those who use manual or electric wheelchairs will be able to reach the elevator access level independently. This initiative is part of a program of accessibility projects launched by the Procuratoria di San Marco under the Framework Agreement with the University of Udine and the IUAV University of Venice. The first concrete implementation involves none other than the “paron de casa” (St. Mark’s “host”). A temporary ramp, located on the right side of the Loggetta and the main entrance, will allow visitors to overcome the elevation difference and easily reach the elevator. Access will be available during normal opening hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with no reservation required. Admission is free for people with disabilities and one companion. This initiative will be carried out in close collaboration with the Patriarchate. The ramp was built thanks to a contribution from the company EPS. On October 16, meanwhile, at Sant’Apollonia, on the occasion of the major restoration of the Basilica’s organ, the Procuratoria organized an international conference titled “The Sound of St. Mark.”