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July 07th, 2016

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Saint Mark’s square, or Piazza San Marco, Venice is the main public square in Venice.

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.

Campanile di San Marco

The Campanile di San Marco or the Bell tower of Saint Marks has over 1,000 years of history. The original collapsed suddenly in 1902, so the current structure is a replica. The current version was unveiled exactly 1,000 years after the foundations for the original were laid.

The square is also home to…

On the square you will also find the Museum of the city and civilisation of Venice – or Museo Correr, the Museo Archeologico and the State Library.

Even the coffee shops and eateries are historic. Sit back and relax at Caffe Florian that sits on the square and has operated since 1720 or Gran Caffe Quadri, which opened for business in 1638.

Saint Mark’s Square Venice is one of this unique city’s highlights. If you are planning a holiday in Italy, be sure to visit our website attours-italy.comWe, Avventure Bellissimeare Italian holiday experts and we’re definitely best placed to help you make the most of your Italian holiday. We’ll help you truly make the most of your visit to Venice with a selection of tours of the city and of the square itself.

We offer a selection of Italian vacation packages as well as tours of Italy’s main attractions to suit your schedule and budget. We make it our business to help people have the best holidays in Italy.

For more information on holidays to Italy, from information on the best destinations through to guides of Venice, and interesting facts about the Vatican - be sure to check out our travel blog at Avventure Bellissime. It’s a great read about all things, Italian!