When the Lights in St. Mark's Basilica Lit Up — Venice

An evening inside the basilica, when the gold begins to shift

Before the lights fully come on.

We booked the night tour when they flip the lights on.

Walked into the quiet, dark basilica after hours on a cool July evening.

A light breeze carried the scent of the lagoon outside.

Echoes of our feet on marble.

Voices fade as we move inside St. Mark’s Basilica Venice.

Sat in chairs in the center.

We looked up.

Dark turns to gold.

The basilica goes still.

The lights don’t just brighten the gold and jewel-encrusted walls and ceilings.

They change. Shift.