About Saint Mark's Square

Along with the Piazzetta, a smaller adjoining square, it is the social, political and religious centre of the city. If you are planning your holidays in Italy and a visit Venice, here are some facts on the square and why we at Avventure Bellissime – the Italian holiday experts - think it’s worth adding to your holiday itinerary.

The heart of Venice

If you visit London, you will likely visit Trafalgar Square. Likewise, in New York, visitors will see Times Square, and the Place de la Concorde when in Paris. Piazza San Marco is Venice’s equivalent. The difference is that there is no traffic in or around the square and many comment that it is much more striking than its counterparts. So, all holidays to Italy really need to include a visit to Piazza San Marco.

Seeing the sights from this square

Just to go to the Piazza San Marco is a great experience during an Italian vacation. Napoleon is said to have described it as ‘the drawing room of Europe’. From here you can see Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s palace and the Torre dell’Orologio - the clock tower that sits on the square.

Torre dell’Orologio

TheTorre dell’Orologio is the clock tower which sits on the square has been telling the time to Venetians since 1449. It sits above an archway that leads out onto several shopping streets that then lead onto Rialto bridge.

Doges Palace - Palazzo Ducale

Doges palace sits on the square and is a striking gothic building with stunning stone arches. It was previous at the heart of the administration that ran the Venetian Republic. By the late 19th century it began to decay but since then has been refurbished – although some of its original features were recreated and the originals moved into the Museo dell’Opera that is located inside the building.

Basilica di San Marco

Basilica di San Marco or St. Mark’s Basilica is located on the square and is another must see for all Italian holidays and holiday in Venice. It is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction after the square itself. It is a beautiful building with striking Byzantine architecture. Inside it has over 8,000 metres of golden mosaic.