Piazza San Marco in Venice is rightfully considered one of Italy's calling cards. The architectural ensemble of the square is created by the Cathedral of San Marco, the columns of St. Mark and St. Theodore, Campanil, the Doge's Palace, the clock tower, the Apostle’s library, as well as the Old and New Procuratios, Al Napoleonic and Loggett. Since, having arrived in Venice, you will surely go to San Marco, we decided to tell separately about each element of the square so that you feel at home here.
Piazza San Marco in Venice
St. Mark's Square It is famous not only for its attractions, but also for the many films shot here and, of course, for pigeons.
For many years, feeding hand pigeons in the Square was one of the main tourist attractions of the city, food for them was sold here. The tradition was interrupted only in 2008, when, due to the bird flu epidemic, it was decided to suspend the sale of feed.
The first mention of the area dates back to the 9th century
The first information about the square dates back to the 9th century: then one of the main modern attractions of Venice was just a small platform in front of the entrance to the Cathedral of San Marco. And only in the XII century (in 1177) it was expanded to its current size.
San Marco Square consists of two parts: Piazzetta (distance from the Grand Canal to Campanila) and, in fact, Piazza itself (square).
Columns of St. Mark and Theodore
The columns of Saints Marc and Theodore are the first thing you see when stepping on a piazzetta adjacent to Piazza San Marco in Venice. In 1125, Venice received them as a trophy after the victorious war against King Tire, which she waged in alliance with Constantinople.
Columns of St. Mark and Theodore - the first thing that tourists see when stepping on the piazzetta
Although tourists are shown two columns, in fact, initially there were three. The third column, when unloading from ships, fell into the sea and still lies somewhere on the muddy bottom of the Lagoon.
San Marco Cathedral
San Marco Cathedral is known for its Byzantine architecture, unusual for a Catholic church. The Basilica was erected back in 832 with the purpose of storing the relics of the apostle, but what travelers can see today is, conditionally, the “new” cathedral, which was restored after the fire that happened in 976.
With the general dominance of the Byzantine style, various elements of the Cathedral are also inherent in Romanesque, Gothic and Oriental styles.
San Marco Cathedral is known for its unusual Byzantine architecture.
Inside the cathedral, not only the relics of St. Mark are of interest: the Golden Altar (Pala d'Oro), brought from Constantinople, the Baptistery, the Chapel of St. Isidore, Sacristy and, of course, numerous mosaics.
Entrance to San Marco Cathedral is free, but defiant clothes with open knees and shoulders should be avoided when visiting. Also in the Cathedral you can’t shoot.
Clock tower
Orolojo (clock tower) - is famous primarily for the fact that its clock shows not only time, but also the current zodiac sign and even the moon phase.
Pass by luxurious blue-green watches and not pay attention to them is simply impossible. They are decorated with enamel and gilding, bronze statues and the symbol of Venice - a lion with an open book. Orologgio was built in just a year - construction continued from 1496 to 1497.
Oroolgio clock shows time, current zodiac sign and moon phase
Those wishing to visit the tower should plan this in advance, as tourists are allowed into the building in groups of 12 people and only 4 times a day. The tour takes place in three languages: English, French and Italian. It is quite possible to purchase tickets in advance via the Internet. You can do it here.
Library of san marco
In the XVI century, the largest library of Venice was opened on the site of the former Doges Zoo. Today, within its walls are more than 13,000 ancient manuscripts and about 500,000 books, including 2 lists of the Iliad of the 5th and 6th centuries.
The library is open every day from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, except Sunday. On Saturday, the library is open from 8:00 to 13:30.
Doge's Palace
Over the many centuries of its existence, the Doge's Palace managed to serve as the seat of the Venetian government, and the Senate, and the Supreme Court, and the Ministry.
The very first Doge's Palace at this place was built in 810. Over a thousand years, the building was repeatedly destroyed, burned, suffered from cataclysms and rebellions, until, finally, in the 16th century, it acquired a modern look. Today, the three-story Doge's Palace is the most tourist destination in Venice.
Doge's Palace - the most tourist destination in Venice
The schedule of his work is from April to October: from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. From November to March, the Palace operates on an abbreviated schedule - until 17:30. In more detail about the Doge's Palace, its history, features, tickets to visit and excursions conducted here BlogoItaliano wrote in a separate article.
Old and New Prosecutions
The building of the first prosecution in Venice was built in the XII century, and in the XVI - after a strong fire - it was restored, giving it a modern shape.
The primary responsibility of the procurators was to administer state-owned real estate. And the cathedral of San Marco was just part of this control group, so the location of the prosecutor’s building was chosen near the cathedral.
In 1640, opposite the first building (the Old Prosecution), the second was built - the New Prosecution. To find out where the old and the new Prosecution are, look at the Florian Cafe - it is located on the ground floor of the New Prosecution.
Cafe "Florian" is located in the building of the New Prosecution
It is noteworthy that under Napoleon, his residence in Venice was in the New Prosecution. Over time, it was decided to build a ballroom here, but since the building was not suitable for these purposes, I had to erect another one - Ala Napoleonica. For this, by order of Napoleon, the church of San Gemignano was demolished. Now this building connects the two prosecutors in Piazza San Marco.
Loggetta Sansovino in Venice
In 1540, on the Piazza San Marco in Venice, right next to the Campanile, Lodgetta was built instead of a stable. The building, resembling a triumphal arch, has changed its purpose over the centuries: a place for ceremonial meetings, a guardhouse of the Doge's Palace and even the headquarters of the city lottery.
Loggetta Sansovino
In 1902, the Bell Tower collapsed and destroyed Lodgetta. The building, which stands on the square now, is an already restored and newly decorated version.
Campanila
The first mention of Campanile (bell tower) dates back to the 9th century, but its present appearance is a version of architects of the 16th century. However, this is not the original: as we already mentioned, in July 1902 the original structure collapsed.
It took 10 years to restore the exact copy of Campanila, and what travelers see today in St. Mark's Square is a building built in 1912.
It consists of a 99-meter tower from the bell site, which houses 5 bells, mines and viewing platforms. By the way, in ancient times, each of the bells had its own special purpose. For example, one of them - "Marañona" - called, urging residents to go to work.
The height of the Venetian Campanile is 99 meters
The huge tower was used not only as a bell tower. It was also successfully used as a beacon for ships, and sometimes even gallows.
The cost of climbing Campanila is 8 Euros; for an excursion group of more than 15 people - 4 Euros (2018). You can go upstairs both by steps and by elevator.
Working hours:
- From September 5 to September 18: 08: 30-20: 15;
- From September 19 to September 30: 08: 30-19: 45;
- From October 1 to October 9: 09: 30-19: 00;
- From October 10 to April 9: 09: 30-17: 30;
- From April 10 to June 12: 09: 00-19: 00;
- From June 13 to September 4: 08: 30-21: 30;
- The bell tower is closed: from January 9 to January 27 and in bad weather conditions.
How to get to Piazza San Marco in Venice
Typically, the starting point for exploring Venice is the Santa Lucia Train Station (if arriving in the city by train) or Piazzale Roma (if arriving by bus). Within walking distance from both starting points are the Vaporetto river bus stops serving as public transport in Venice.
To travel to Piazza San Marco, you should choose the number 1 or number 2 and follow the stop S. Marco Vallaresso. A ticket for Vaporetto will cost 7.5 Euros (2018), and the routes themselves go quite often - in the daytime the average interval is about 10 minutes. You can read more about this type of transport and other popular water bus routes in Venice in this article.
Other useful articles about Venice
- Excursions in Venice in Russian: what is popular with tourists
- Russian guide in Venice: a great expert and a nice girl
- The Most Romantic Venice Hotels: TOP 5 BlogoItaliano
- Interesting meta of Venice where you can buy tickets online
