Pala D'Oro [Altar Screen]

The single most important work in Basilica San Marco is the Pala D'Oro, the gold and enamel altar screen, which was constructed in Constantinople and Venice over the course of four centuries. It is comprised of 250 panels containing 1,927 gems. The Pala D'Oro was begun by Greek artists in Constantinople at the commission of Doge Pietro Orseolo in 976; enriched with new enamels by order of Doge Ordelafo Falier (1105); enhanced again in 1209 by Doge Pietro Ziani, who assembled the most precious enamels and goldwork after the Fourth Crusade. It was given its present shape by Doge Andrea Dandolo, in 1345. The photo above shows the main screen, while the photos to the left and right show some of the detailed panels of the screen. Below is a Vimeo video by BrioWebTv2 that shows the altar piece in its setting in Basilica San Marco.

Video of the Pala D'Oro