6 Fascinating Facts About St. Mark’s Basilica

2084

5The Pala d’Oro puts the Crown Jewels to shame

The Pala d’Oro, a Byzantine altar screen of gold, is studded with hundreds of gems – literally.

They include 1,300 pearls, 300 emeralds, 300 sapphires, 400 garnets, 100 amethysts, plus rubies and topazes.