San Marco Square

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The Piazza San Marco is a massive paved and arcaded square located in front of the Basilica's five arched doors. It is the heart of Venice and home to the city's major public space. It is the only 'piazza' in Venice since the other squares are termed 'piazzales' or 'campos,'. It is 590 feet (180 meters) in length and 230 feet (70 meters) in width.


Its foundations were laid in the ninth century, but it was not until 1177 that it took on its present dimensions. One of the most stunning public spaces anywhere is Piazza San Marco in Venice. Napoleon proclaimed it to be 'the most magnificent drawing room in the world.'


Since it is the lowest point in Venice, it is the first to be flooded during Acqua Alta (the phenomenon when the Adriatic Sea tide rises to make Venice flooded temporarily various times a year). The government responds to this by constructing wooden footbridges for pedestrians. At least a few times a year, the entire square gets submerged in water.


How to explore Piazza San Marco?

  • St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Museo Correr, the Campanile (the bell tower of the Basilica), and the Torre dell' Orologio are the most well-known structures in the square worth seeing.
  • Old Procurators' Offices and New Procurators' Offices, two government structures, form the northern and southern sections of the square. Various chic boutiques and cafes have set up their stores in these renovated sections. Shop to your heart’s content for the most fashionable clothes and accessories.
  • Two bronze Moorish figures strike the hour from the tower's Renaissance-style upper balcony. Every time the clock strikes the hour during Ascension week and Epiphany, statues of the Three Wise Men emerge from the tower under the watchful eye of an angel. It is a beautiful sight to watch!
  • The Columns of Saints Mark and Theodore present there are also notable. The two granite and marble columns were installed in 1172 at the square's entrance. Between these two pillars, public executions were placed in the eighteenth century.
  • At nightfall, when temperatures are mild, the square really comes to life. Spring and summer season is when you can enjoy the live music in the piazza while strolling around Venice's famous cafés.
  • One of Italy's oldest restaurant, Caffè Florian, is also an interesting option to visit. The restaurant dates back to 1720. For the past century, its patrons have been treated to live musical performances in this place.
  • imageDuration Required
    30 minutes

Address of San Marco Square

Venice, Italy

Opening & Closing time of San Marco Square

  • Monday
    Open 24 Hours
  • Tuesday
    Open 24 Hours
  • Wednesday
    Open 24 Hours
  • Thursday
    Open 24 Hours
  • Friday
    Open 24 Hours
  • Saturday
    Open 24 Hours
  • Sunday
    Open 24 Hours

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