Why St. Mark's Basilica and Campanile are special
St. Mark's in Venice, Italy consists of two magnificent structures: The Basilica and its sidekick, the Campanile.
The Basilica is renowned for its medieval mosaics, its exquisite golden alter screens embellished with precious gems, and its gilded facade (see photo).
A lavish amount of decorative gold was used on both the building's interior and exterior surfaces. This has earned St. Mark's Basilica its "Church of Gold" nickname.
The present day church is the third to be erected on the plot. The original St. Mark's, a modest edifice, was built to house the stolen remains of the eponymous St. Mark.

Why St. Mark's Campanile is special
St. Mark's Campanile (a freestanding bell tower) is just a hop, skip and jump from the Basilica. Its 95-meter (315-feet) high profile dominated the Venice skyline for centuries until 1902 when, without warning, it collapsed. St. Mark's Campanile has since been reconstructed, faithful to the earlier design.

What leading travel books say about St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark's magnificent interior is clad with dazzling mosaics.
Italy
Eyewitness Travel Guides

St. Mark's is one of the world's greatest and most richly embellished churches.
Italy
Frommer's