Piazza San Marco 2027

Piazza San Marco, Venice

Piazza San Marco is the principal public square of Venice. Its layout was largely shaped in the 12th century under Doge Sebastiano Ziani, who enlarged the square to match the growing importance of the Republic. It is framed by St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the long arcades of the Procuratie: the Procuratie Vecchie on the north side, built in the early 16th century, and the Procuratie Nuove, designed by Jacopo Sansovino, continued by Vincenzo Scamozzi and completed around 1640 by Baldassare Longhena.

The Campanile, first completed in the 12th century as a watchtower, collapsed in 1902 and was rebuilt to its original design. Under the arcades, Caffè Florian has been serving since 1720. As an events space the piazza hosts open-air concerts, Carnival celebrations and civic ceremonies, with the basilica and bell tower as a backdrop.

Getting there

From Venezia Santa Lucia railway station, take vaporetto Line 2 from the Ferrovia pier down the Grand Canal, or the slower Line 1, to San Marco or San Zaccaria; San Zaccaria is on the Riva degli Schiavoni just past the Doge's Palace, a short walk from the square. On foot, the piazza is reachable from the station through the streets of the historic centre.

FAQ

Which vaporetto stop is closest to Piazza San Marco? San Marco and San Zaccaria. Line 2 is the faster route down the Grand Canal from the railway station; Line 1 makes more stops.

What surrounds the square? St. Mark's Basilica, the Campanile, the Doge's Palace and the Procuratie arcades, which house museums, shops and historic cafés such as Florian, open since 1720.