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St Mark's Square
The only square in Venice to bear that name, the political and social centre of the Republic. Its origins go back to the 9th century, but it took its present form in 1177, under Doge Sebastiano Ziani, on the occasion of the meeting between Pope Alexander III and Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. It is surrounded by St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the bell tower, the Procuratie, the Napoleonic Wing and the Biblioteca Marciana. The 13th-century herringbone paving was replaced in 1723, to a design by Andrea Tirali, with a geometric pattern of volcanic and white stone, and the square was raised by almost a metre. Towards the lagoon opens the Piazzetta, redeveloped by Jacopo Sansovino, with two columns facing the quay: one bears the Lion of St Mark and the other St Theodore slaying the dragon. It is the lowest point in Venice and one of the first to flood when the high water rises. Its arcades hold historic cafés such as Florian and Quadri.
Add it to your trip on Wanloria →Things to do at St Mark's Square: 4 missions
- Photograph the basilica, bell tower and palace togetherFind a spot from which the basilica façade, the bell tower and the Doge's Palace all fit in at once.
- Look at the two columns of the PiazzettaWalk to the lagoon quay and find the column with the Lion of St Mark and the one with St Theodore and the dragon.
- Identify the buildings that enclose the squareStand in the middle of the square and look for the Biblioteca Marciana, the Procuratie and the Napoleonic Wing among the surrounding buildings.
- Notice Tirali's geometric pavingLook down at the ground and follow the bands of volcanic and white stone that make up the 18th-century geometric pattern.
Near St Mark's Square
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need for St Mark's Square?
Allow about 45 min for the visit.
Source: Wikipedia - Plaza de San Marcos