Piazza San Marco in Venice: what to see and places to experience in the "Living Room of Europe"

Piazza San Marco, located in the heart of Venice , is a place steeped in history, art and charm. With its dimensions of 180 meters in length and 70 meters in width, the square is the only one of its kind in the city, which is otherwise characterized by fields, small squares and a square. This magical place was described by Napoleon Bonaparte as " the most beautiful hall in Europe ".

Origin and evolution of the Square

The history of Piazza San Marco has its roots in the 9th century, when it was built and subsequently paved in 1177, approximately 100 years after its construction. The trapezoidal shape of the square has been shaped over the centuries, including the enlargement promoted by Doge Sebastiano Ziani in 1172, which involved the silting of the Batario Canal and the demolition of the Church of San Geminiano. The square, delimited by the Columns of San Marco and San Teodoro , has acquired the name "Venice's Living Room" due to its centrality in the civic life of the city.

St. Mark's Square has hosted a wide range of entertainment over the centuries, from Shrove Thursday during Carnival to the 1782 bull hunt in honor of the crown princes of Russia. A fascinating curiosity concerns the revolt of 1310 led by Bajamonte Tiepolo, who saw the square as a meeting place and scene of clashes during an attempt to subvert the city government.

Even today during good weather days, the square comes alive with life and the famous cafés become meeting places with live music. However, it is important to note that consuming food and drinks, throwing rubbish and feeding pigeons is prohibited in the square . For those who want to enjoy food on the street, the former Royal Gardens along the Grand Canal offer a pleasant alternative.

Points of interest to visit in Piazza San Marco in Venice

In the center of the square stands the majestic Basilica of San Marco , built in 828 to house the body of San Marco, the new protector of the city. The basilica, with its rich fusion of architectural styles and decorations, is one of Italy's most admired symbols . Instead, the imposing Palazzo Ducale , seat of the government of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, dates back to the 15th century. Through its rooms, such as the Sala del Maggior Consiglio and the Sala del Senato, the palace tells a thousand years of Venetian history.

Continuing the exploration of the square we can find the Napoleonic Wing, built in 1810 on the site of the Church of San Geminiano, which houses the Correr Museum . The latter recounts the civilisation, history and art of Venice through the rich sections of its collections. Finally, there is the clock tower inaugurated in 1499, it is a technological masterpiece of the time, with an advanced mechanical clock. During special events such as the Epiphany and Ascension, the tower witnesses processions and celebrations.

Staying in Venice

Staying in Venice represents a unique experience, capable of offering complete immersion in the magical atmosphere of this fascinating lagoon city. In addition to exploring the famous Piazza San Marco, it is essential to dedicate several days to discovering its hidden and characteristic beauties , which are revealed by walking through the evocative alleys, crossing the picturesque bridges and admiring the ancient canals. To optimize your budget and fully enjoy everything that Venice has to offer, it is advisable to consider purchasing tourist passes that allow access to museums, churches and public transport at discounted rates.

For example, the Venice Card offers numerous benefits, allowing you to enjoy unlimited public transport and entry to several cultural sites. This allows visitors to explore the city more affordably and without worrying about additional costs for individual tickets. Furthermore, booking an apartment online in advance represents a practical solution for securing comfortable and strategic accommodation, allowing you to experience Venice like a local.

choosing an apartment online allows travelers to live a more authentic experience, immersing themselves in the daily life of the city.