Known by locals as El Piazza, St. Mark’s Square is a remarkably dynamic spot. By day it is teeming with tourists taking in the splendour of St Mark’s Basilica, the impressive façade of the Doge’s Palace and all the iconic sights of central Venice. By night it takes on a softer, more romantic atmosphere as couples emerge hand in hand to enjoy the softly illuminated Venetian cityscape.
The square has been at the heart of Venetian life throughout the last 1000 years, and today continues to be a thriving public space where visitors constantly flock. The centrepiece is St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), the 11th century masterpiece which catches your eye the moment you emerge onto the square. Beside it you’ll spot the city’s famous landmark Campanile.
In the south-east corner of the square you will be able to see the two columns signifying the traditional entrance into the heart of Venice. On top of either tower the figures of St Mark and St Theodore look down on the crowds below.
On the hour every hour you can hear the chimes of the Torre dell’Orologio, inside which two bronze figures strike the bells as they have done for over 500 years. When the bells aren’t tolling, the refrain you’ll hear comes in their place comes from the pigeons that flock here—be aware that feeding them is prohibited.
If you want to take a rest to fully admire the view, then there are plenty of cafés to choose from, though their prices tend to be among the highest in the city. During the evening you can savour a glass of wine in good company while listening to the musicians play—but bear in mind that sitting at a table rather than standing by the bar means you’ll have to pay extra.
Located in the San Marco district, St Mark’s Square lies next to the Grand Canal and can be reached by vaporetto (water bus) or by foot. The square can flood at high tide during the cold months, but even then there are raised walking platforms which ensure it stays open to visitors.
