Enchanting Piazza San Marco, Venice

“The finest drawing room in Europe”, is how Alfred de Musset, French dramatist, poet and novelist, referred to the Piazza San Marco, also knows as St. Mark’s Square.   Though named a square, it is actually trapezoid.For almost a century, in the by gone era, many important political, religious and social activities were held here.

Located in the heart of Venice, initially built in the 9^th century, in stone masonry and geometric design, the square flooring has undergone many changes, over the years.  The present form reflects the works of many famous architects such as Sansovino, Longhena, Scamozzi, Rizzo and Tirani.  

Me in Piazza San Marco

A Time for leisure:

The Piazza San Marco attracts tourists, back-packers, photographers and locals alike. Despite the crowds, there is enough place for everyone.  There are many shops and cafes around; Caffe Florian and the Gran Caffe Quadri being the oldest, and also well known for their impeccable service.  You can sit in one of the many indoor or outdoor cafes, just relaxing with a cup of coffee and a slice of pizza, a plate of pasta, or some other Italian treat, watching the world go by.  Oh yes, the famous gelato in innumerable flavours, and tiramisu is another treat not to be missed.

Watching children frolicking about, street vendors attracting tourists and locals alike with their wares, listening to orchestral music, go shopping for souvenirs or window shopping for designer clothes, and if tempted enough, indulge in buying something fancy, are some more choices of things to do. The San Marco is alive and abuzz with things to do, both day and night.

Entrance to Piazza San Marco

Tourist abuzz in Piazza San Marco  

Interesting Mask Shop

Venetian pigeons:

It is also a very popular meeting point for the Venetian pigeons, which flock the square by the thousands.   If you stand in the square with maize in your palms, you are sure to have the pigeons literally eating out of your hands.

Feeding the Pigeons  in Piazza San Marco

The Grand Canal:

The Piazza has the Grand Canal running around it.  At one end it leads into the lagoon near the Santa Lucia railway station, and at the other, to the St. Mark’s Basin. It is one the longest waterways in the world.  Water buses, water taxis, and gondolas go through this.      

Gondolas, Water Taxis and Water Buses plying in the Grand Canal

Many tours on the canal start from the Piazza.   There are many bridges across the canal that connect the two sides of the canal.  Under these bridges the gondolas and other smaller water taxis pass.   It is fun to watch from the bridges.

Me on one of the many bridges over the Grand Canal.

Bridges connecting the two sides of the Canal.

Back in time:

If you want to go back in time, this is just the place for you.  Ancient historical buildings are within walking distance, or bordered around the Square.  You can tour the  Doge’s Palace, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, ascend the Bell Tower of St. Mark’s Basilica, spend time in the Bibliotheca Marciana.  The other buildings are, Santa Maria di Nazareth Church (also known as Scalzi), Procuratie Vecchie and Procuratie Nouve.  

Santa Maria di Nazareth Church (known today as Scalzi)

Bell Tower, St. Marks Bascilica, Santa Maria di Nazareth in the Horizon,  and Gondolas in the Canal

Buildings around the Waterfront

You can also stroll along the waterfront of St. Mark’s Basin, or reach the Torre dell’Orologio in time to watch the animated statues of Moores use hammers to strike the hours at the clock tower. Another option is of taking a water bus or hiring a gondola and cruising along the canal sight seeing.  Or you can go up the Ponte di Rialto, also known as the Rialto Bridge and watch the canal traffic.

 Bell Tower or Campanile di San Marco

Clock Tower - Piazza San Marco

Memorable Stay:

There are so many fascinating activities you can do in and around Piazza San Marco, you’ll return home with happy memories of a memorable holiday, and a strong desire to return to this wonderful place again.

How to get there:

To reach Piazza San Marco you, you have to reach Venice either by air, train, car or bus.  From the airport,  an Airport boat will take you straight to the Piazza.  From the train station, you can either take a water bus or just follow the yellow “San Marco” signs on the corners of the buildings.