Piazza San Marco, Venice
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Piazza San Marco - by Alex London on Google
Description
Piazza San Marco (St Mark's Square) has historically been the social and political centre of Venice. It is located next to the Grand Canal and framed by several important monuments including the 11th century St Mark's Basilica with its extremely ornate western facade, the free-standing Campanile (bell tower), the Doge's Palace and the Biblioteca Marciana facing it across the Piazzetta di San Marco, the Torre dell'Orologio (St Mark's Clock Tower) and the three connected "Procuratie" framing the Piazza: the 16th century Procuratie Vecchie in early Renaissance style, the 17th century Procuratie Nuove in High Renaissance design and the Neo-classical 19th century Procuratie Nuovissime (Napoleonic Wing). The first patron saint of the city / Republic of Venice was St Theodore but St Mark was adopted as the new one in the 9th century after its relics were brought to Venice (they were stolen from Alexandria).
Access & Transport
The Piazza is walking distance to most of the sights in San Polo, Dorsoduro and Castello neighbourhoods. Vaporetto line 1 stops at San Marco, along the night line N and airport lines A and B. Many other lines (#2, 4, 5, 7, 14, 20) also stop at San Zaccaria piers, just past the Doge's Palace.
Instructions & Recommendations
The Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Campanile and the Museo Correr can all be visited. It is worth exploring the square by day and come back in the evening to enjoy the different lighting and atmosphere.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally, there is no data at the neighbourhood level, but it is mostly concrete (and water). Part of the city's cultural and architectural heritages but tourism has always put huge pressure on rents here.
Conclusion
We always hesitate before making such a statement, but you cannot visit Venice without Piazza San Marco: not only some of the most striking monuments are located there but it is the historical heart of the city, both symbolically and politically. Don't hesitate to go early morning to avoid the crowds.
Key positive
Stunning architecture of surrounding buildings
Several key attractions located there
Easy to get to by vaporetto and walking
Key negative
Crowded
Very expensive cafes
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo