St. Mark’s Square

The sole official piazza of Venice, the spectacle of St. Mark’s lives up to its historical and cultural significance as the center of the great city. Although you may easily reach it by water taxi, the best way to enter Saint Mark’s Square is by passing through the narrow walkways of Venice. The dark and narrow alleys abruptly empty into the vast golden square, providing a breathtaking first impression. As you walk further into the piazza, you will be amazed as to the landscape and elaborate architecture that surrounds you. The Grande Canal, St. Mark’s Cathedral, the Doge Palace, the Campanile, the Clock Tower, and the Procuraties encompass crowds of enthusiastic tourists, honeymooners, and vendors.

The largest of all of the buildings are the Procuratie Vecchie and Procuratie Nuove, which originally housed the offices of the Procurers, some of the most powerful men in Venice. No longer needed as political offices, the Procuraties were eventually converted into museums. Near the Procuratie Vecchie, the late 15th century Clock Tower displays not only the time, but also the zodiac symbols and the phases of the moon. Above the colorful timepiece, the upper section of the tower boasts a winged stone lion, the symbol of St. Mark, in front of a painting of gold stars on a blue background. Alongside the Procuratie Nuove, the Campanile stands approximately 320 feet tall, adjoining the main piazza with a smaller, piazzetta. The Doge Palace and the Columns of St Mark and St Theodore are located in St Mark’s piazzetta. Topping one column is the winged lion, and topping the other is a statue of St. Theodore, the original patron Saint of Venice.