San Marco District

San Marco is historical heart of Venice, where the majority of hotels are located for tourists visiting the city of Venice. The following section contains tourist information for the district of San Marco, St. Mark's square as well links to tourist information on other districts of Venice.

For those wanting to learn more about the history of Venice you should consider taking one of our informative and entertaining tours of Venice to discover why we believe Venice is the most unique city in the world.

The district of San Marco is every much a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and canals, and enchanting bridges that encircle the wide-open spaces of the square of San Marco or as the locals call it - Piazza San Marco. Take our Small Group Essence of Venice Walking Tour for an indepth introduction to Piazza San Marco & St. Mark's Basilica.

The Basilica of San Marco is Venice's most dazzingly beautiful structure in Venice and it beauty reflects the faith and devotion of Venetians to their city.

Alongside the Basilica, is the Doge's Palace which is arguably the most important building in Venice as it housed the Doge and the governing councils of the Venetian Republic that together help create the most liberal and free state in Europe in the Middle Ages.

Just behind the Doges Palace you'll find the "Bridge of Sighs" connecting the Palace with the prisons of the Doge's Palace

Towering over these two structures is the bell-tower of San Marco. To enjoy a delightful view of the city, especially at sunset, take the elevator ride to the top of the tower to look-out over the skyline of Venice and hopefully the nearby Dolomite mountains.

In the evening hours, after the crowds have left for the day, the square takes on a different character as the cafe orchestra's fill the night air with music. Pull up a chair at one of the famous open-air cafe's and breathe in the atmosphere of days gone-by.