Venice > Sightseeing > Basilica di San Marco > Aternative luggage lockers

'Where can I leave luggage or a large backpack when I visit the Basilica di San Marco?'

The Basilica's baggage-storage office has shut down because of "technical problems," but Vaise--an independent luggage-locker service--is close by. Here's how to get from St. Mark's Basilica to Vaise's San Marco branch on foot.

ABOVE: In late 2023, this new sign appeared at the deposito bagagli annex by the Basilica di San Marco in Venice.

By Durant Imboden

The Basilica di San Marco (a.k.a. St. Mark's Basilica) is one of Venice's most popular attractions, but it does have one rule that can be inconvenient for tourists: Luggage is not allowed in the church. (By "luggage," we mean any bag larger than a small backpack.)

Until recently, the Basilica offered a deposito bagagli storage annex facing the Piazzetta dei Leoni, a small square with stone lions on the north side of the church. This was closed due to "technical problems" in October, 2023, and it's unclear when or whether the storage annex will reopen.

Fortunately, we can suggest an alternative nearby: The San Marco branch of Vaise, an independent luggage-locker storefront within easy walking distance of St. Mark's.

The walking directions below will take you from the Piazzetta dei Leoni to Vaise in 10 minutes or less.

1. Before starting your walk, check the luggage-locker annex that faces the tiny square with stone lions on the north side of the Basilica. If a miracle has occurred and the annex has reopened, you won't need our walking directions.

2. Assuming that the annex is still closed, walk toward the end of the Piazza San Marco and its arcades.

3. In the far right corner of the square, look for a short tunnel (the Sotoportego de l'Arco Celeste) under the arcades.

4. Walk through the sotoportego.

5. You'll emerge at the Bacino Orseolo, a mooring area for gondolas. Continue left toward the Hard Rock Cafe.

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6. Walk past the Hard Rock Cafe and the Zara clothing store.

 7. Turn left into the narrow Calle S. Zorzi, which is just beyond Zara. The street name is on a brick wall.

Follow the Calle S. Zorzi one short block to a shopping street, the Frezzaria (also spelled "Frezzeria") and turn right.

8. Walk a few steps to the corner of Frezzaria and the Calle de Piscina de Frezzaria. (You'll see a sign on your left above the street.)

Turn left into the Calle de Piscina de Frezzaria.

9. Vaise is just down the street on your left.

• Tip: If you're heading directly to Vaise by public transportation, see Vaise's map with directions from the San Marco Vallaresso and San Marco Giardinetti vaporetto stops. You can then follow our walking directions in reverse to reach the Basilica.

• Please note: We earn nothing by recommending Vaise. (We just think it's a handy alternative to the Basilica's now-closed baggage annex.)

About the author:

Durant Imboden has written about Venice, Italy since 1996. He covered Venice and European travel at About.com for 4-1/2 years before launching Europe for Visitors (including Venice for Visitors) with Cheryl Imboden in 2001.

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