Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Italy  /  Veneto  /  Province of Venice  /  City of Venice  /  Venice  /  Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco, Venice

4.6
#1 of 188 in Historic Sites in Venice
Must see · Historic Walking Area · Landmark
Venice's principal public space, Piazza San Marco has served as the city's social, religious, and political center for centuries. In fact, Napoleon called the square "the drawing room of Europe." It's the largest square in the city and the only one given the designation of "piazza" (the others are all called "campi"). Originally constructed in the ninth century as a small public space dotted with trees, the square was substantially enlarged in the 12th century and was paved with bricks in the 13th. Several major architectural sites surround the area. The most notable is an imposing church dedicated to St. Mark. Don't feed the pigeons--city law forbids feeding the birds in the square. To visit Piazza San Marco on your trip to Venice, use our Venice trip planner.
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Tours to Piazza San Marco

FROM $103 BOOK WITH VIATOR Best of Venice Tour with St Mark’s Basilica and Grand Canal Boat tour
4.2
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $103 »
FROM $24 BOOK WITH VIATOR Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
3.4
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $24 »
FROM $54 BOOK WITH VIATOR Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
3.8
Duration: 129 to 147 minutes
Tours from $54 »
FROM $47 BOOK WITH VIATOR Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica
4.0
Duration: 2 hours
Tours from $47 »
FROM $95 BOOK WITH VIATOR Legendary Venice St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Group or Private Tour
4.6
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $95 »
FROM $107 BOOK WITH VIATOR St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Group or Private Tour with Optional Doge's Palace
4.8
Duration: 90 to 210 minutes
Tours from $107 »
FROM $18 BOOK WITH VIATOR Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour with a Local Guide
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Tours from $18 »
FROM $67 BOOK WITH VIATOR Byzantine Venice Walking tour & Saint Mark's Basilica
3.7
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $67 »
FROM $127 BOOK WITH VIATOR Venice Walking Tour plus Skip the Lines Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica Tours
4.5
Duration: 4 hours
Tours from $127 »
FROM $72 BOOK WITH VIATOR Morning Walking Tour of Venice Plus Gondola Ride
4.0
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $72 »
FROM $1,094 BOOK WITH VIATOR Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride
4.7
Duration: 6 hours
Tours from $1,094 »
FROM $33 BOOK WITH VIATOR Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with commentary
2.9
Duration: 50 minutes
Tours from $33 »

Piazza San Marco reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
36,970 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By Kshitijgoel10
    This place is heart of Venice. This is also known as St Mark's Square. Its the only square in Venice, other squares are called Campi. On one side, you can find St Mark's Basilica. Guide told us...  more »
  • By Pegasios P
    Piazza San Marco is a must when visiting Venice! This is the last stop of the water bus. Very spacious piazza with historical monuments to enjoy. It is very popular and there was a very long queue.....  more »
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Google
  • By steve mcmarson
    Venice is an incredible city to explore. As a wedding photographer I found it intriguing. The presence of large crowds in most areas required patience and seizing opportunity from moment to moment to get clear backgrounds. Give yourself plenty of time to see the place properly and to get into the quieter areas away from the usual tourist path.
  • By Siu Long
    You say Venice and the fist thing that comes to the mind is this square. Amazing, elegant, sober. It is incredible how the whole square has a coherent architectural style despite the fact that the building that surround it have been built in very different ages. You can't miss it.
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