San Marco

Venice San Marco is the tourist heart of Venice, Italy. Among the majority of the attractions, San Marco is detailed on the VeniceXplorer Venice map.

Tap any card to explore

San Marco: The Historic Hub of Venice

Venice's nerve centre, the sestiere of San Marco, has been the heart of Venetian life since the early days of the Venice Republic. It was initially known as Rivo Alto because of the importance of Rialto. Although it is a small sestiere, San Marco holds the majority of the tourist attractions. This is why it is easily accessible from every corner of Venice. The area is served by many waterbuses and water taxis. With the help of our Venice map, you can also reach it on foot. The sestiere also includes the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

The heart of the sestiere San Marco in Venice is its homonymous square, home to the Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Bell Tower and other attractions. St. Mark's Square is one of the most visited and coveted destinations in the world. The Procuratie embrace St Mark's Square. The Procuratie are the former lodgings of the Venetian procurators, today home to museums such as the Correr Museum and libraries such as the Marciana. The majestic structure of St Mark's Square is also home to renowned cafés such as the Florian and Caffè Quadri. In Venice, Piazza San Marco is the only square that bears the name Piazza, the other squares are called Campo or Campi.

San Marco Sestiere: The Beating Heart of Venice's Rich History

The sestiere also boasts renowned churches such as Santo Stefano or St Mark's Basilica itself. The sestiere will amaze you with magnificent attractions such as the Rialto Bridge with its market, the Bridge of Sighs and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. If you are a theatre lover this sestiere has to offer the Goldoni Theatre and the La Fenice Theatre, two institutions of Italian theatre art.

San Marco also has many hotels, Venice bars, and restaurants of great importance, if you want to discover them, our Venice map will be very useful. Whether you plan to visit the city in one day, two days or a week, San Marco will be the focus of your days in Venice.

San Marco sestieri is the heart and soul of Venice. It is famous for its iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture. The area of this sestieri is 0.54 sq. km (approx.) and its population is 4,145 (as per 2011 data). Despite its small size San Marco attracts millions of visitors every year.

Visitors can find various kinds of attractions here. You can immerse yourself in the grandeur of Piazza San Marco. Many visitors explore the architecture of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. One can also wander through the charming alleyways. Our interactive Venice map will help you explore every part of this beautiful city.

Historical Overview

San Marco's history intertwines Venice's rise as a Mediterranean power. For over a thousand years, this sestieri has served as the city's social, political, and religious centre.

The story begins in the 9th century. The Venetian merchants brought the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist to Venice from Alexandria. As St. Mark was the patron saint of Venice, the Doge ordered the building of a church to honour him. They built the beautiful St. Mark's Basilica. The basilica became a symbol of Venice's power and wealth. It showed how rich the Venetian Republic was during its best time.

Landmarks and Attractions

San Marco boasts a dazzling array of iconic landmarks that define Venice's beauty.

Piazza San Marco: This is often referred to as "Europe's drawing room". There are several impressive structures around this central square.
St. Mark's Basilica: A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. This basilica's dazzling mosaics and onion domes are a sight to behold.
Doge's Palace: Located just steps from the square. This former residence of the Venetian Doge offers a glimpse into the city's rich history.
Bridge of Sighs: This iconic bridge connects the Doge's Palace to the old prison. It earned its name from the sighs of prisoners taking one last look at Venice.
Campanile di San Marco: Enjoy panoramic views of the city by climbing this tall bell tower. This historic bell tower, once a lighthouse, has been rebuilt several times over the years.
Biblioteca Marciana: This Library holds a huge collection of old manuscripts, maps, and rare books.
Torre dell'Orologio: This clock tower is famous for its mechanical figures that perform a short show every hour.
Scuola Grande di San Giorgio: This is a former guildhall. It is now a museum showcasing Venetian art and architecture.
Fenice Opera House: One of the world's most renowned opera houses. The Fenice theatre is within the walking distance from Piazza San Marco.

Apart from these Museo correr and Scala Contarini del Bovolo are also worth watching. These sights offer insight into Venice's artistic and cultural heritage.

Exploring the Sestiere

Beyond the famous sights, San Marco has many secret places to find. Walk through the small streets, find hidden courtyards. You can also visit less-known churches for a personal view of Venice.

Escape the crowds and find hidden gems in Venice. Discover peaceful squares like Campo Santo Stefano and Campo Sant' Angelo. Here you can relax in a café, explore local markets, or admire art exhibitions.

San Marco is home to several smaller, but beautiful churches. Chiesa di San Moise and Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio are among them. Wandering through the back streets, you'll discover artisan shops and picturesque canals. They are revealing the timeless charm of this enchanting district.

Accommodation Choices

San Marco offers a diverse range of hotels to suit every budget and preference.

For those seeking luxury, the Gritti Palace and Hotel Danieli offer opulent experiences. These world-class hotels are located in the heart of San Marco, providing easy access to the district's attractions.

San Marco has many nice hotels and guesthouses for people on a budget. These accommodations are only a short walk from major landmarks.

While San Marco can be expensive, it's possible to find affordable options. For more cheaper choices, consider staying in nearby districts like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. From these areas, you can reach San Marco on foot or by vaporetto (waterbus).

Shopping and Dining Options

San Marco is a great place to shop, with everything from fancy stores to one-of-a-kind local finds.

The Mercerie: This is a series of narrow streets running between Rialto and St. Mark's Square. Here, you'll find shops selling everything, from fashion items to Venetian masks and souvenirs.
Campo Santo Stefano: Explore this charming square for art galleries and antique shops.

When it comes to dining, San Marco offers a wide range of options to please every palate.

Historic Cafés: Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at iconic cafes like Café Florian and Café Quadri in Piazza San Marco.
Authentic Venetian Cuisine: Find traditional taverns (osterias) in hidden corners. Enjoy delicious local dishes like cicchetti, bigoli in salsa, and risotto al nero di seppia.
Fresh Seafood: Don't miss the opportunity to savor Venice's renowned seafood. You can taste fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) and spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams).

Our interactive Venice map will guide you to find the best places to shop and eat in the district.

Tips For Visiting San Marco

To get the best of your stay in San Marco, it is important to plan ahead. Here are some tips to avoid crowds and to make most of your time.

Visit early or late: To have a more peaceful experience, visit early in the morning or in the evening. During the day time the main landmarks are much crowded.

Buy Tickets in advance: Popular sites like St. Mark’s Basilica and Dog's Palace has long lines of visitors. To avoid these lines and to save your time, it is better to book tickets in advance. Visit our Venice City Pass page to get more information about ticket booking.

Explore Beyond The Main Attractions: The Centre of tourist attraction are the main landmarks of San Marco. But don't miss to wander in the lesser known streets and hidden corners of the district. Artisan shops, small churches, and a charming square offer a glimpse into Venetian life. Our interactive Venice map will help you to approach these shops and churches.

Mind the costs: San Marco is very expensive for dining and shopping. Neighbourhood areas like Cannaregio and Dorsoduro offer cheaper options for shopping and dining.

San Marco is a renowned landmark in Venice. It boasts both famous sights and lesser-known gems. This district, with its majestic Piazza San Marco and charming alleys, offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

Exploring San Marco is an unforgettable experience. Explore the city's top sights, experience its local vibe, and find hidden treasures. Our interactive Venice map will guide you through this enchanting sestieri, ensuring you make the most of your visit.