Piazza San Marco

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 began in the ninth century as a small space in front of a chapel and was expanded to its current size in the twelfth century. Over the centuries, the surrounding buildings were rebuilt several times to serve administrative and ceremonial purposes.

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.

Location: Venice

Inception: 9 century

Architectural style: Renaissance architecture

Length: 175 m

Width: 82 m

GPS coordinates: 45.43400,12.33800

Latest update: December 5, 2025 06:40