Summary
Piazza San Marco, or Saint Mark’s Square, is the largest and most important square in Venice. As the widest swath of flat, open land in the water-bound city, it has long been a popular meeting place for Venetians and visitors alike. The Piazza’s rectangular design was once a showcase for the city’s aristocracy and is most impressive from its sea approach, reminding us of Venice’s centuries-old legacy as a powerful maritime republic.
Often referred to as “the drawing room of Europe” (a quote attributed to Napoleon), Saint Mark’s Square is named after the unique and stunning Basilica of the same name that dominates the east end. The slender Campanile di San Marco, the Basilica’s bell tower, is among the square’s most recognizable landmarks.
History of Saint Mark’s Square
Constructed in the 9th century in front of Saint Mark’s Basilica and the adjacent Doge’s Palace, the square was enlarged in the 12th century after a canal and dock were filled in. The campanile (bell tower) has been rebuilt three times; the latest version was finished in 1912. In the 16th century, during the sack of Rome, Jacopo Sansovino fled to Venice and constructed the beautiful Loggetta del Sansovino, used as a council waiting room for the Doge’s Palace. The Piazza was originally paved with unique herringbone-brick patterns, but in 1735 the terracotta blocks were replaced with natural stone. On the waterfront, the paved areas called La Piazzetta (little square) and Molo (jetty) are overseen by two 12th-century columns, each topped by a statue of Venice’s patron saints: Saint Mark, depicted as a winged lion, and Saint Teodoro (Theodore).
What to See and Do in Piazza San Marco
Saint Mark’s Square is the epicenter of Venice; almost everything in the city revolves around it. In the summertime, the square is bustling with tourists, while fall and spring bring slightly fewer crowds. Winter, although wet and cold, can be a very romantic and ethereal experience.
No matter what time of year you visit, here are some notable attractions and activities in Venice’s Saint Mark’s Square:
- Visit Basilica San Marco – Saint Mark’s Basilica is one of the most stunningly beautiful and intricately designed cathedrals in the world, making it the city’s top attraction. The church’s architectural style encompasses Byzantine, Islamic, and Western European influences, boasting more than 500 columns and 85,000 square feet of intricate, golden mosaics adorning its main portal and its five domes.
- Listen to The Bells of San Marco – The Campanile di San Marco is the bell tower of Saint Mark’s Basilica, rising 323 feet above the Square. This freestanding tower features a loggia that surrounds its belfry, containing five bells topped by lion faces and Venice’s version of Lady Justice (La Giustizia). Crowned by a pyramidal spire with a golden weathervane resembling the archangel Gabriel, the tower was last restored in 1912 after it collapsed 10 years earlier.
- Wander the Halls of Doges Palace – Adjacent to Saint Mark’s Basilica is the opulent Doges’ Palace (Palazzo Ducale), which once served as the headquarters of the Doges, the rulers of Venice.
- Witness Antiquity at the National Archaeological Museum – Founded in 1523 by Cardinal Domenico Grimani, this museum narrates the story of Venice as a city of art, glass, ceramics, and jewels, housing artifacts from Greek, Egyptian, Assyrian, and Babylonian civilizations.
- Read Old Text at Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana – This National Library is located inside a section of the Procuratie Nuove and holds thousands of works printed between the 16th and 17th centuries, being one of the oldest public manuscript depositories in Italy.
- Appreciate Venetian Art at the Museo Correr – Behind the rows of shops along the Procuratie Nuove, this museum displays a fantastic collection of Venetian art and historical artifacts.
- Sip a Bellini at an Outdoor Cafe – Piazza San Marco is lined with Procuraties (three connected buildings) hosting elegant cafes. Order a Bellini – a cocktail of Prosecco and peach nectar invented in 1931 – while enjoying the atmosphere of this iconic square.
How to Visit Piazza San Marco
Location: Piazza San Marco, 30100 Venezia
To save time, consider purchasing a San Marco Square Museum Pass, which includes admission to multiple attractions, ideal for travelers visiting Venice briefly.
Traveler Tip: To protect Venice’s UNESCO Heritage sites, feeding pigeons is prohibited; violations can lead to fines ranging from €50 to €200.
Nearby Attractions
- Island of Burano – A picturesque and uncrowded island in the northern Venetian Lagoon, renowned for its brightly colored houses and handmade lace.
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco – This museum showcases over 60 paintings, many created by the renowned artist Tintoretto.
- Museo Leonardo da Vinci – This interactive museum, located inside Scuola Grande, displays the genius of the painter/inventor through anatomical studies, interactive machines, and multimedia exhibits.
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection – Experience works by modern masters such as Picasso, Pollock, and Calder in the former home of the American patron of the arts on the Grand Canal.
