Symbol of the city, the St Mark's Basilica reflects a number of different styles perfectly harmonized. The original byzantine-inspired structure, created in 1063, with the greek-cross plan and naves, has been much altered in the succeeding centuries, with spires, gothic sculptures and many other decorations. Connected to the Doge's Palace, the Basilica was originally the Doge's chapel, it has contained relics of Saint Mark and it was the place where the Republic's official ceremonies were held. The interior is dominated by the over 4000 mq of mosaics carried out by the most important venetian artists from the Twelfth to the Sixteenth centuries.