St. Mark's Square Venice: Complete Visitor's Guide

St. Mark's Square: Venice's Most Beautiful Piazza

St. Mark's Square stands as one of the world's most beautiful squares and is the undisputed centerpiece of Venice. This magnificent piazza houses the city's main attractions and serves as its cultural and social heart.

Main Attractions

The square encompasses several iconic landmarks:

  • St. Mark's Basilica
  • St. Mark's Bell Tower
  • Clock Tower
  • Doge's Palace
  • Correr Museum

Historical Background

Originally a humble vegetable garden, the square was transformed during the reign of Doge Sebastiano Ziani (1172-78). The space achieved its current grandeur through several developments:

  • Burial of the Rio Botario canal
  • Construction of the Procuratie buildings
  • Addition of the Bell Tower in the 16th century
  • Napoleonic era modifications

Square Structure

St. Mark's Square consists of three distinct zones:

  • The Piazza: Main square area between the Procuratie buildings
  • Piazzetta San Marco: Extension in front of Doge's Palace
  • Piazzetta dei Leoncini: Area left of St. Mark's Basilica

Visitor Information

To avoid long queues, visitors are advised to purchase priority admission tickets online for the attractions. For the most spectacular view, approach the square from the sea.

Getting There

Access the square via:

  • Vaporetto: Lines 1 and 2 to Vallaresso stop
  • From Tronchetto: Vaporetto line 2
  • From Marco Polo Airport: Alilaguna boats (Blue, Red, and Orange lines, April-October)

Pro tip: For the most breathtaking experience, arrive by sea for an unforgettable first impression of this magnificent square.