Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is an essential stop for anyone visiting the enchanting city of Venice. Known for its exceptionally pricey cafes and its unique status as the city’s only “piazza” (all other similar spaces are referred to as “campi”), it is a place of immense historical and cultural significance. The square’s charm is evident in all seasons, but it takes on a particularly magical quality when the phenomenon of “acqua alta” (high water) transforms it into a vast, shimmering pool. As one of the most visited spots in Italy and worldwide, let’s delve into the rich history and remarkable features of Piazza San Marco.
History of St. Mark’s Square
Originally, the area was a large garden traversed by the river Rio Batario. The transformation of the area began in 826 when the body of St. Mark was brought to Venice and the first basilica was constructed, marking the start of its role as the monumental heart of the city. A significant change occurred in 1156 when Doge Viatale II Michiel ordered the Rio Batario to be filled in. Subsequent works in 1172 expanded the square, allowing for the construction of new buildings. The new Piazza San Marco was bordered by the ancient Church of San Geminiano and the two monumental columns that mark the entrance to the Marcian area. In 1264, the square was paved with bricks arranged in a herringbone pattern. The area was completed in 1807 under Napoleonic rule, which saw the demolition of the Church of San Geminiano and the construction of the Procuratie Nuovissime.
What to See in St. Mark’s Square
Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace)
As you approach from Riva degli Schiavoni by boat, the first structure that catches your eye is the imposing Doge’s Palace. Built in the 15th century with Istrian marble, it served as the seat of government for the Serenissima Republic of Venice. The palace encapsulates a thousand years of history and includes the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, the Sala del Senato, and the Sala del Collegio, all adorned with famous paintings by Tintoretto, Titian, and Veronese. Visitors can also explore the Doge’s apartments and the prisons. The Columns of St. Mark and St. Theodore, constructed in granite in 1172, stand at the entrance to the square from the Grand Canal and are notable for their historical significance as the site of public executions.
Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
Facing the Doge’s Palace is the Libreria Sansoviniana, one of Italy’s most important libraries. A haven for book lovers, it houses an extraordinary collection of Oriental, Latin, and Greek manuscripts, as well as numerous texts related to the history of Venice.
Campanile di San Marco and the Loggetta
The Campanile di San Marco (Bell Tower), known as the “Patron de casa,” stands next to the library, across from the Doge’s Palace. Originally constructed in the 16th century, this brick and Istrian stone bell tower is 12 meters wide and over 98 meters tall. It collapsed in 1902 but was rebuilt within ten years. The Loggetta, designed by Jacopo Sansovino in the 16th century, served as a meeting place for patricians and later as a guardhouse.
St. Mark’s Basilica
One of Italy’s most admired symbols of artistic and architectural beauty, the Basilica di San Marco combines various styles harmoniously adorned with mosaics, marble, columns, and sculptures. Built in 820 to house the body of St. Mark, brought to Venice by two Venetian merchants from Alexandria, Egypt, it was reconstructed after a fire in 976 and consecrated by Doge Pietro Orseolo the Saint. The current basilica, built starting in 1063, was inspired by two buildings in Constantinople: the Church of the Twelve Apostles and Hagia Sophia.
Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower)
Inaugurated in 1499, the Clock Tower featured one of the three most advanced mechanical clocks in the world at that time, with moving components at the Madonna’s level and the Moors striking the bell. On Epiphany and Ascension Day, the procession of the Magi, led by an angel, emerges every hour.
Piazza San Marco is not only the central landmark of Venice but also a treasure trove of history, art, and architecture. From the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace to the intricate mosaics of the Basilica, every corner of the square tells a story. Whether you are an avid historian, an architecture enthusiast, or a casual traveller, St. Mark’s Square offers an unforgettable glimpse into the splendour of Venice.
