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Discover St. Mark’s Square: the heart of Venice
Piazza San Marco, located in the heart of Venice, is one of the most iconic and fascinating squares in the world.
Known for its architectural beauty and rich history, this square is a meeting place for tourists and locals alike. Every corner of St Mark’s Square tells a story, from its historical monuments to the cafés that have hosted world-famous artists and intellectuals.
In this article, we explore the history, architecture, historic cafés and events that make St Mark’s Square a unique and unmissable place.
St Mark's Square was always packed with people. The painter Francesco Guardi shows and tries to sell his works among the small tables in the centre of the Piazza.
The history of St. Mark’s Square: from its origins to today
St Mark’s Square began to take shape in the 9th century, when Doge Vitale II Michiel decided to have the Rio Batario, which ran through the area, filled in.
This marked the beginning of the paving and formation of the Piazza.
During the medieval period, the Square became the political and religious centre of Venice.
The construction of St Mark’s Basilica began in the 9th century and the Doge’s Palace became the residence of the Doges.
Between 1495 and 1517, the Procuratie Vecchie were built, and the Procuratie Nuove, located on the south side of St. Mark’s Square, were begun in 1583 and completed around 1640.
These buildings were designed to house the official residences of the Procurators of St. Mark’s, the highest dignitaries of the Venetian Republic government.
Giuseppe Gambino, "The Old Procuratie" (1959)
During the Napoleonic period, in 1807, the Procuratie Nuovissime, also known as the Napoleonic Wing, were added: the church of San Geminiano, which had been rebuilt in the 16th century by Jacopo Sansovino, was demolished to make way for the new wing.
Significant events include the collapse of St Mark’s Bell Tower in 1902, destroying the Loggetta and part of the Biblioteca Marciana. The ‘Paron de casa’, as it is affectionately called by Venetians, was rebuilt and completed in 1912.
In recent years, St. Mark’s Square has undergone major restoration work to protect the area from frequent high tides and to preserve the historic pavement. These interventions include raising the pier and separating the network of underground passages from the water rising from the canals.
Piazza San Marco is one of the most visited places in Venice, divided into three main areas: the Piazza, the Piazzetta di San Marco and the Piazzetta dei Leoncini.
On the right, the Ducal Palace of the Calendar; next to it, the prisons of Da Ponte; opposite, the library of Sansovino; next to it, the office building.
And if, from the first curtain, as it were, one pushes the eye beyond the columns of Todero and the Lion, here is the Basilica of St. Mark to starboard of its bisantine domes, here is the Clock Tower opposite a piece of the Procuratie Nuove de’ Lombardi.
No less than seven buildings, seven styles, seven different heights, and a host of architects from different times and different schools bringing the varied contribution of their rich imagination.
(Giuseppe Rovani)
Architectural Highlights of the Square
St. Mark’s Basilica, with its stunning Byzantine architecture, is the centerpiece of the Square. Known for its opulent design, gold mosaics, and the famous Horses of Saint Mark, it is a masterpiece of religious art and architecture.
The Campanile, or Bell tower, stands tall at 98.6 meters and offers breathtaking views of Venice. Originally built in the 9th century and rebuilt after its collapse in 1902, it is an iconic symbol of the city.
The Doge’s Palace, a Gothic masterpiece, served as the residence of the Doge of Venice. Its intricate façade, grand staircases, and the famous Bridge of Sighs connecting to the prison make it a must-see.
The Procuratie buildings line three sides of the Square. The Procuratie Vecchie were built in the 12th century but reconstructed in the early 16th century by the architects Bartolomeo Bon and Jacopo Sansovino in a classical style; the Procuratie Nuove on the southern side constructed between the late 16th and mid 17th centuries, were designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi and later completed by Baldassarre Longhena. They represent the culmination of Renaissance architectural principle.
The Procuratie Nuovissime, also known as the Napoleonic Wing, were added in the early 19th century during the Napoleonic period. This wing was built in a neoclassical style, replacing the church of San Geminiano.
The Clock Tower in St. Mark’s Square dictated and dictates the time for religious observances and festivals such as the Feast of the Ascension and Epiphany
The Clock Tower, or Torre dell’Orologio, is a Renaissance structure featuring a large astronomical clock. It not only tells the time but also displays the phases of the moon and the zodiac signs.
The Piazzetta, an extension of the Square leading to the lagoon, is flanked by the two columns brought to Venice from the East.
The column of St. Mark with the ancient bronze statue of a winged lion (approximately 4 meters long weighs around 2,800 kilograms) and the column of St. Theodore who was the original patron saint of Venice before St. Mark.
They have stood as guardians of the entrance to the Piazzetta for centuries, witnessing the rich history and culture of Venice
These highlights make the Square a vibrant and historically rich area, showcasing the architectural grandeur of Venice.
In the 18th century, Caffè Florian was the center of Venetian social life, an agora, the meeting place of ideas par excellence.
Café Culture in Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is home to historic Cafes that have played an important role in the cultural life of the city.
Founded in 1720, Caffè Florian is one of the oldest cafes in Europe. It has been a meeting place for artists, writers and intellectuals such as Carlo Goldoni, Giacomo Casanova and Lord Byron. Its rooms, decorated with frescoes and gilded mirrors, tell the story of a glorious past where art and literature met every day.
Opened in 1750, Caffè Lavena was frequented by such illustrious figures as Richard Wagner, who composed parts of Parsifal there, and Gabriele D’Annunzio. The Café has preserved its original architecture and furnishings and has become a meeting place for artists and intellectuals.
Founded in 1775, the Caffè Quadri is known for its elegance and for hosting historical figures. Located under the Procuratie Vecchie, it offers a spectacular view of the square and remains a landmark of Venetian cultural life.
These Cafes are not just places to enjoy a good coffee, but true cultural centers that have helped shape the history and culture of Venice.
Today they continue to be places of meeting and cultural exchange, keeping alive the traditions and heritage of the past.
Gentile Bellini, Procession in St. Mark's Square, (1496 - 1500)
Events and festivities in St. Mark’s Square
Arriving at the Piazza, one’s heart is filled with wonder.
One wonders how mortal hands could have created such a divine work, capable of touching the deepest chords of the soul.
The nerve center of the city becomes the stage for events and celebrations throughout the year.
The Carnival, which attracts people from all over the world, comes to mind, as well as the Procession of the Virgin Mary, the Flight of the Angels, the Proclamation of Degrees of the University of Ca’ Foscari, the Feast of the Sensa and the Epiphany, with the spectacle of the mechanical procession of the Three Kings from the Clock Tower.
Visitor’s Guide to St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square, located in the San Marco district, is easily accessible by foot, waterbus (vaporetto), or gondola. It’s about a 27-minute walk from Piazzale Roma and the Santa Lucia railway station.
Known as “the drawing room of Europe” the Square is surrounded by stunning architecture and rich history.
It is a must-visit destination that offers a glimpse into Venice’s glorious past and vibrant present. Whether you’re exploring its architectural marvels or simply soaking in the atmosphere, it promises an unforgettable experience.
To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning (between 8 and 9 am) or late in the afternoon. The square is particularly magical at night when it is beautifully illuminated.
