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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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36,673 reviews

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41 likes

• By John B

  This is a nice place to spend your nights on, full of people always and good for relaxing. When you have time i highly recommend it  more »

• By jackjameson1

  During these very difficult times, I can stop but think of how amazing Venice and Piazza San Marco was last August ! Hold on there beautiful Italy, we will be back soon !! 🇮🇹 ❤️  more »

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