1:27:06
The basilica of San Marco was built
between 1063 and 1073.
1:27:10
The five great domes were added
during the 13th century...
1:27:14
...and after the sack of Constantinople
in 1204 by the Venetians.
1:27:19
Byzantine artists were brought in
to transform this basilica...
1:27:21
...into the treasure
we are about to see.
1:27:24
- Yes, ma'am?
- How much did it cost?
1:27:27
That's hard to say, but in today's terms,
several hundred million dollars.
1:27:32
Then you'd think they could
get it cleaned.
1:27:35
Well, I wouldn't know that.
1:27:38
- Please follow me.
- Notice this end is sinking?
1:27:40
- Much more. I wonder why.
- Maybe because that end is rising.
1:27:44
How long are we staying?
1:27:46
And here is good evidence that Venice
continues to sink on its own foundation.
1:27:52
You can see the watermarks
here where the flood of 1966...
1:27:57
...flooded the whole floor
of the basilica...
1:28:00
...and filled the crypt
up to the ceiling.
1:28:04
Rough seas and high tides remain a
present and increasing danger...
1:28:10
...to the preservation of San Marco
as well as all the banks.
1:28:13
Solutions are being sought.
But the experts' opinions conflict.
1:28:20
Now, if you follow me, we shall begin
the visit of the basilica...
1:28:24
...from this altar.
1:28:26
It was dedicated to the Madonna
and finished in 1617.
1:28:33
Above the altar, you can admire
the Madonna of Nicopeia...
1:28:37
...the renowned
and highly venerated icon...
1:28:40
...which was brought here
from Constantinople in 1204.
1:28:47
There are more than 40 iconographies
of the virgin in St. Mark's.
1:28:51
She welcomes you
at the threshold of St. Peter's...
1:28:54
...and the chapel of St. Clement.
1:28:58
And she is repeatedly
portrayed in the crusades...