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

Piazza San Marco, Venice

4.4

#1 of 196 in Historic Sites in Venice

Historic Walking Area Landmark Must See

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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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Piazza San Marco Reviews

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• By SonNY2002

  Of course you have to visit Piazza San Marco but I do really prefer the quiet back alleys of Venice.  more »

• By MattSweet74

  Fabulous location and photo opportunities. Florians is a must. Expensive but excellent coffee and patisserie.  more »

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