St Mark's Square
Venice's only piazza with basilica, campanile, and lagoon life.
Ideal: Ideal for first-time Venice visitors, history, architecture, and classic city landmarks.
This is the only place in Venice called a piazza; the rest of the city's squares are campi. St Mark's relics in the basilica were smuggled from Alexandria in 828, hidden under a pile of pork so Muslim customs officers would not inspect them. The four bronze horses on the façade were looted from Constantinople in 1204 — those outside are copies, the originals displayed inside. The 98-metre bell tower collapsed on itself in 1902 and was rebuilt identically in 1912. As the city's lowest point, the square is the first place to flood during acqua alta.
Why go?
- To see Venice's most important square and historic buildings
- To build a strong culture route around St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace
- To feel Venice's crowded but enchanting city atmosphere
Travel tip
The square is much quieter early in the morning; crowds increase sharply by midday.
