Tucked behind the main altar containing St Mark’s sarcophagus is the Pala d’Oro, studded with 2000 emeralds, amethysts, sapphires, rubies, pearls and other gemstones. But the most priceless treasures here are biblical figures in vibrant cloisonné, begun in Constantinople in AD 976 and elaborated by Venetian goldsmiths in 1209. The enamelled saints have wild beards and wide eyes fixed in wonder on Jesus.
