St Mark's Square

Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) is Venice’s most famous public square and a major attraction known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Surrounded by historical buildings and iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, the square offers a beautiful blend of Venetian Gothic and Byzantine styles. This guide covers the history, key highlights, and visitor tips to help you navigate Piazza San Marco and make the most of your visit with an interactive map, such as veniceXplorer.

Top 6 things to do in St Mark’s Square

Piazza San Marco offers a variety of attractions and activities that cater to all interests. Here are some of the main highlights:

1. Mark’s Basilica Interior and Museum: The basilica’s interior is adorned with stunning mosaics that cover over 8,000 square meters. The Pala d’Oro, a golden altarpiece encrusted with precious gems, is a notable highlight within the church. Visitors can also access the St. Mark’s Museum, which offers a closer look at the basilica’s treasures and the opportunity to see the iconic bronze horses up close.
2. Doge’s Palace Tour: A tour of the Doge’s Palace takes visitors through its lavishly decorated rooms, grand council chambers, and prison cells, including the famous Bridge of Sighs. The palace’s interior is filled with Renaissance art and intricate details that showcase the power and wealth of the Venetian Republic. The palace also offers guided tours that delve into Venice’s political history and artistic heritage.
3. Climb St. Mark’s Campanile: For panoramic views of Venice, visitors can take an elevator to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile. The tower provides sweeping vistas of the city’s canals, rooftops, and distant islands, making it a popular spot for photography. The experience offers a new perspective on Venice’s layout and unique charm.
4. Museo Correr: Located within the Ala Napoleonica, the Museo Correr presents a collection of Venetian art, artefacts, and historical displays. The museum’s exhibits cover Venice’s history from its origins to its fall, including portraits of prominent figures, maps, and models of Venetian life. The museum also includes the Imperial Rooms, which were once used by Napoleon and later by the Habsburgs.
5. Enjoy Cafés and Shops: Piazza San Marco is home to some of Venice’s oldest and most iconic cafes, including Caffè Florian and Gran Caffè Quadri. Established in the 18th century, these cafes offer a unique experience of Venetian history and tradition, with elegant interiors and live music in the evenings. The square is also lined with shops selling Venetian glass, jewellery, and souvenirs.
6. Torre dell’Orologio Tour: The Torre dell’Orologio offers guided tours that take visitors inside the clock tower, where they can see the inner workings of the clock mechanism and learn about the history of timekeeping in Venice. The tour also includes access to the tower’s top level, offering views over the square.

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Architectural Highlights of St Mark’s Square

Piazza San Marco is famous for its blend of architectural styles, particularly Venetian Gothic and Byzantine, which reflect the city’s multicultural influences and extensive trade history.

• St. Mark’s Basilica: The crown jewel of the square, St. Mark’s Basilica is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with its intricate mosaics, gilded domes, and stunning marble facade. Built to house the relics of St. Mark, the basilica is one of Venice’s most important religious sites and showcases the city’s artistic and architectural prowess.
• Doge’s Palace: Adjacent to St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace served as the residence of the Doge (the leader of Venice) and the government center. Its Gothic facade, ornate arches, and grand courtyard reflect the power and influence Venice held during its height. Visitors can explore its opulent interiors, government chambers, and prisons, which include the famous Bridge of Sighs.
• The Campanile (Bell Tower): Standing 98 meters tall, St. Mark’s Campanile is the tallest structure in Venice, offering panoramic views of the city and lagoon. Originally built as a watchtower in the 9th century, the tower has been reconstructed several times due to damage from earthquakes and lightning strikes. The current structure dates back to 1912, following its collapse in 1902. A visit to the top is a must for breathtaking views of Venice’s unique skyline.
• Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower): Built in the 15th century, the Torre dell’Orologio is an impressive clock tower that displays the time, lunar phases, and zodiac signs. The clock is topped by two bronze figures, known as the Moors, who strike the bell on the hour. The intricate mechanism, along with the tower’s Renaissance design, makes it one of Venice’s most beloved landmarks.
• Procuratie Vecchie and Procuratie Nuove: The Procuratie buildings frame Piazza San Marco on three sides, with their elegant arches and symmetry. The Procuratie Vecchie (Old Procuracies) were built in the 16th century to house government officials, while the Procuratie Nuove (New Procuracies) were added later and have housed various functions over time. These buildings now contain cafes, shops, and offices, adding to the lively atmosphere of the square.
• Ala Napoleonica: Located at the west end of the square, the Ala Napoleonica was built during the Napoleonic occupation of Venice in the early 19th century. It was constructed to complete the square’s rectangular shape, replacing a church that previously occupied the site. The building now houses the Museo Correr, which contains a collection of Venetian art and history.

Nearby Attractions Around St Mark’s Square

After exploring Piazza San Marco, you can continue your visit with these nearby attractions:

1. Rialto Bridge and Rialto Market: A short walk from the square, the Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s oldest and most famous bridges. The nearby Rialto Market offers a vibrant atmosphere with fresh produce, seafood, and Venetian goods, making it a perfect spot to experience local life.
2. Church of San Zaccaria: Located near Piazza San Marco, San Zaccaria is a beautiful church known for its Renaissance and Gothic architecture, as well as its stunning artworks, including pieces by Giovanni Bellini.
3. La Fenice Opera House: Venice’s historic Teatro La Fenice is an iconic opera house known for its opulent decor and rich musical heritage. Visitors can take a tour of the theatre or attend a performance for an authentic Venetian experience.
4. Bridge of Sighs: Adjacent to the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs connects the palace to the prison and offers picturesque views of the canal. The bridge is one of Venice’s most photographed landmarks and is accessible via the Doge’s Palace tour.
5. Gallerie dell’Accademia: Located near the Accademia Bridge, the Accademia gallery museum offers a rich collection of Venetian Renaissance art, including masterpieces by Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto. It’s a must-see for art enthusiasts, providing context to Venice’s historical contributions to the art world.

Practical Information for Visiting St Mark’s Square

1. Location and Getting There: Piazza San Marco is located in the heart of Venice and is easily accessible by vaporetto (waterbus). The closest stops are San Zaccaria and Rialto, both served by several vaporetto lines. Using an interactive map like veniceXplorer is highly recommended for navigating Venice’s waterways and streets to reach the square efficiently.
2. Best Times to Visit: Piazza San Marco can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and summer). For a quieter experience, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening when the square is less crowded. Visiting in the early evening allows you to see the buildings illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
3. Entry Fees and Accessibility: Entry to Piazza San Marco is free, but individual attractions such as St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile have entry fees. Ticket bundles are available, allowing visitors to save on combined entry to multiple sites. Accessibility options are available for many of the main attractions, with ramps, elevators, and guided assistance.
4. Dress Code for Basilica and Palace: Visitors should dress modestly when entering St. Mark’s Basilica, covering shoulders and knees. Photography is not allowed inside the basilica, and visitors are encouraged to be respectful in the religious space.
5. Audio Guides and Guided Tours: Audio guides and guided tours are available for many of the attractions around Piazza San Marco, providing deeper insights into the history, art, and culture of Venice. Many tour operators offer combined tours that cover multiple landmarks, providing a comprehensive experience of the square.

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History of St Mark’s Square

Dating back to the 9th century, Piazza San Marco initially served as a small area in front of St. Mark’s Basilica. The square gradually expanded over time and became Venice’s ceremonial heart, hosting events, religious festivals, and important political gatherings. It was remodelled in the 12th century under Doge Sebastiano Ziani, who extended and redesigned it, shaping it into the grand space seen today. Throughout Venetian history, Piazza San Marco has been a focal point for celebrations, state events, and public gatherings.

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Why Visit Piazza San Marco?

Piazza San Marco is more than a city square; it’s a journey through Venice’s unique history and artistry. From the breathtaking Byzantine mosaics in St. Mark’s Basilica to the Gothic grandeur of the Doge’s Palace, this square offers an experience that blends Venice’s political, religious, and cultural past. With veniceXplorer’s interactive map, navigating Piazza San Marco and its nearby attractions is effortless, ensuring a comprehensive, memorable visit to Venice’s most iconic location. Whether interested in history, art, or simply the charm of Venice, Piazza San Marco promises an unforgettable experience.