The Basilica Saint Mark's Basilica is the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. Originally it was the "chapel" of the Venetian rulers, and not the city's cathedral. Since 1807 it has been the seat of the Patriarch of Venice, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. For its opulent design, gilded Byzantine mosaics, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power, from the 11th century on the building was known by the nickname Chiesa d'Oro (Church of gold). Its construction started in year 978, achieving the basis of the present Basiliva in 10633. It was consacrated in 1094. During later centuries many decorations were added, including numerous treasures brought from the Venetian vessels from the Orient.
