St Mark's Square
This is the heart of must see Venice; St Mark's Square, or Piazza San
Marco as it is known in Italian, has been the centre point of Venetian
life for close on a thousand years.
A splendid square indeed; in summer it is so full of light and color that the buildings themselves seem to shimmer and float above it all...beautiful!
San Marco is the most expensive part of Venice but there's some good news, you can stay just around the corner at the great value and superb Hotel Opera. One of the very few hotels in Venice I recommend with confidence. These are the others!
Arriving in St Mark's Square by boat
In this one square you will find most of the great sights of Venice – ranging from the famous Basilica
through to the bell tower. Despite often being overcrowded St Mark’s Square is truly a magnificent place.
If you can find a Venetian in the piazza they will gladly tell you that this is the most beautiful piazza in the entire world and they aren’t far wrong. It is also strangely enough the only piazza in Venice – all the others are called campi.
The History of the Square
The square dates back to 828 but it was in the twelfth century that
the square became recognizably the square of today. Thanks to the fall
of Constantinople marble suddenly became available on a massive scale
and the rulers of Venice went absolutely crazy with it.
It's great that they did, the result is an immensely beautiful
space full of light and color. Even at the height of summer I manage to
ignore the tourists and transport myself back in time. It is actually
easy to do, the scale of this piazza makes the tourists seem quite
insignificant.
Changes were made over the following centuries with the addition
of various buildings, new paving and statues but the enchanting nature
of the Piazza has never been lost.
Tips and Suggestions
Don’t buy anything to eat or drink anywhere near here unless money is no concern for you. Yes, the atmosphere is incredible but even a beer is
likely to cost you close on ten Euros. If money is no object then try the Café Florian - its expensive but it is an important part of Venice's history so supporting that is worthwhile.
My advice is to enjoy the atmosphere, visit all there is to visit and then go to one of the
places in our
Venice Italy Restaurant Guide
for lunch or dinner.
If you would like to avoid the long lines getting into any of the buildings on the piazza
then this just might be the solution.
Visiting Venice during the summer months and staying in Venice?
Visit early - just before dawn is best. The experience of watching the morning light slowly illuminate the piazza is something you'll always remember. Often, there are only a handful of people around and the oppressive heat of summer is yet to settle on the city
A Fact that Few Know
The bell tower is actually a replica. The original tower collapsed in 1902 killing a cat and was rebuilt over the following ten years.
Please Book with Us... Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) via the link below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
You'll get the best deal available and the income I receive helps me to remain independent and to keep bringing you more of beautiful Italy.
Click to Begin
You'll Enjoy These...
Great advice on how to avoid the crowds if you are visiting Venice in July and some wonderful ideas on things to do.
Legend has it the Bridge of Sighs was named because it offered prisoners their last view of Venice before execution. I like the legend of eternal love better...
Venice Carnival masks are famous throughout the world and the Carnival itself was recently voted as one of the world’s top five carnivals. See more..
Looking for a good value hotel in Venice? We discovered a fantastic one this summer; great value and right by the Rialto Bridge
These 6 places to see near Venice are awesome. If you're visiting Venice you seriously DO NOT want to miss out on seeing them.
The Metropole Hotel in Venice has a perfect location, right on St. Marks Square and it is billed as one of the most romantic hotels in Venice. Is this really the case? Find out...
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
The best tours of Venice Italy, selected by an insider. Walking tours, gondola trips, St. Mark’s Basilica and even a creepy ghost tour. We have it all!
A guide to the climate in Venice Italy, advice on the best time to visit Venice and when not to visit, detailed weather forecasts and much more.
Easter in Venice is wonderful, there's a special feeling in the air and Easter is still celebrated in the traditional way. Be a part of it - click for more.
As haunted buildings in Venice go Ca Dario is hard to beat. The number of people who have died shortly after owning this building is shocking.
Hidden away in secret corners are some really lovely parks and gardens. These Venice Italy attractions are the secret Venice doesn't share with the world.
Venetian art is world famous and Venice has inspired artists for centuries. I have longed to be able to offer contemporary art that continues that tradition...
The Jewish or Hebrew ghetto of Venice was the first ghetto for Jews in Europe and was the place where the word first originated. Read more in our guide.
Maps of Venice Italy features a selection of very useful maps of Venice Italy, Verona and the Veneto. Lots of secret places are marked awaiting your discovery
The Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in Venice and perhaps the world. Here's everything you need to know about the bridge and plenty more on Venice too..
Planning a Christmas in Italy? I have everything you need - advice on Italian Christmas traditions, insider tips, weather, great accommodation picks and...
Shopping in Venice is wonderful but you can get lost in a maze of souvenir shops. You'll avoid that if you know where to go. Discover the best shopping...
San Giacomo in Venice is a little known church - just the type of place I love. Our site is full of such places...
If the hustle and bustle of the usual Venice attractions gets a little much the southern lagoon is a good place to escape to for a few days.
Time Magazine calls the Venice Ghetto one of the world's 100 most important places. Join us in a visual exploration of Jewish Venice...
Looking for unusual things to do in Venice? Apart from the 6 essentials we feature on the site why not visit a few of the secret corners of Venice? The Dorsoduro is a good place to start...
Our site is dedicated to Venice Italy and the Veneto. This is our collection of some of the loveliest photos of Venice Italy.
The Map Venice Italy page contains all the maps you will ever need of Venice and Verona Italy.
Pictures of Venice Italy features some magnificent photos of Venice, capturing the timeless beauty of the greatest city on earth.
More Travel Tips:
- Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
- Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda both help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability on the days of your travels
- Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
- Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
- Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
- Get Insured with TravelInsurance.com
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.