Piazza San Marco, Principal square in Venice, Italy
Piazza San Marco is a rectangular square in Venice that extends 175 meters and is surrounded by arcaded walkways on three sides. The pavement consists of white stone with geometric patterns that stretch across the entire surface.
The square was created in the ninth century as a simple space in front of a chapel. By the twelfth century, it became the place you see today. The buildings around it change over the centuries: some are rebuilt to serve the functions of Venice's government, others for large ceremonies and public celebrations.
Visitors see buildings from different centuries that still serve as museums and event venues today. Local cafés along the arcades often play classical music and are visited by tourists and locals alike.
Wooden walkways are set up during high water so that pedestrians can cross the square with dry feet. The best time to visit is early morning, when fewer people are around and the light is softer.
The two granite columns at the entrance marked the spot where public executions took place until the eighteenth century. Some locals still avoid walking between them, as this is considered to bring bad luck.
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